Posted 2 years ago
Kathiepenn…
(2 items)
This union lock, where can if no for information? As you can tell I am a real newbie. These locks do not have keys that I have found yet from my dad old stuff. They are in great condition, very heavy. I do not know of they open, but they should. What are they used for? The ones with the chain especially.
Welcome to CW. Nice old locks you have. Normally when we see the chain lock like yours, we assume it's a railroad lock. But in this case I believe it's Twin Falls Canal Company? Used to lock up their equipment.
https://twinfallscanal.com/about/
The railroad used locks similar to this. From my post on American Lock Company..
"Allegedly John Junkunc kept loosing his keys and this inspired him to invent the combination lock.
"In 1912 John Junkunc (founder of American Lock) was working as a railroad machinist when he created
the 'dial combination lock'. One of the first of its' kind, it became so popular that Junkunc quit his job at the
railroad and moved to Chicago where he worked full time fulfilling orders for his keyless lock.""
Thank you for the info. That makes so much sense! My grandfather helped to dig that canal! Now, so do you have any idea how to get a key? Find a key.?
Wow, that's really cool! We'd love to hear more about your grandfather, he sounds like an interesting man.
The key will be marked similar to the lock. Here's my post of my rr lock. This key and lock do not go together, but is representative of what the key will look like. Maybe it's in a drawer somewhere? A locksmith may be able to cut a new key for it?
https://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/288019-railroad-switch-lock-and-switch-key