Here
is a very rare 1900´s era railroad style brass lock that was made for the
United States Marshall – Western District of New York. This is truly a very rare cross-collectible
lock, most likely serving both police and railroad. This lock was most likely used as a gun rack lock, or used in the
transportation of Federal Prisoners to and from Federal Courts or Federal
prisons at that time. Most of these
movements of prisoners, during this era, would have been done by railroad. The lock may have also been a gun rack
lock. I cannot tell you what exactly
the lock was used for, but I can say that it is truly a rare United States
Marshall Lock. The lock is clearly
marked on the front “U.S. MARSHALL WEST DIST. OF N.Y.” There is a number “177” also marked on the
hasp of the lock. The lock has a
matching key marked “WN 177” and has the manufacturing information of the F.S.
Hardware Co. that also made railroad locks.
This lock is completely authentic and was purchased from an estate in
the Western New York area.
Historically, the United States Marshal Office that today is
headquartered in Buffalo New York was established on May 12th
of 1900. The counties of Western New York that were served by this
Marshall’s office was Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee,
Livingston, Monroe, Niagara, Ontario, Orleans, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben,
Wayne, Wyoming and Yates. The lock is
in near mint condition, has wonderful patina, and the markings are very strong
and clear. The lock works great, has a
strong dust cover, and has no rattles.
Again, it’s in wonderful condition