Detroit Brass Works Padlock Used by Detroit & Bay City Railroad, 1870-1875
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Artifact Overview
Railroad employees depended on padlocks to secure track switches, signals, and equipment. Generally, these locks were standardized so that multiple workers could open them with identically cut keys. Railroad locks later became popular with collectors. The Detroit & Bay City Railroad, opened in 1872, connected its namesake cities in Michigan. It became part of the Michigan Central Railroad in 1881.
Artifact Details
Artifact
Padlock
Date Made
1870-1875
Creators
Place of Creation
Creator Notes
Patented by Ira D. Bush and manufactured by Detroit Brass Works, both of Detroit, Michigan.
Location
Not on exhibit to the public.
Object ID
28.377.2
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Brass (Alloy)
Metal
Color
Gold (Color)
Dimensions
Length: 6.25 in
Width: 2 in
Thickness: 1 in
Inscriptions
stamped on one side of keyhole:
DETROIT BRASS WORKS
stamped on other side of keyhole:
PAT'D APR. 2, 1867
stamped near end of lock:
D & BC RR
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