Lock Information

I did some research and found that the Wilson Bohannan Lock Co. is indeed still in business. While looking over their website I found a couple of interesting tidbits on their history page:

• Their first padlock patent was granted April 17, 1860
• Originally started in Brooklyn New York
• Wilson Bohannan is the oldest family owned padlock company still producing padlocks in the United States.

I e-mailed a picture of the lock and requested any information they could give me on the age, style, how many were produced. It didn't take long to get a response.

Their reply:

Thanks for the picture.

Your lock is a steel body WB lock that had a chain connected on the bottom which is gone. I believe this style of lock was only made during the early 1940's when brass was used for the war. There are even a few locks like yours with steel schackles out there where yours is brass. Wilson Bohannan has always made all brass padlocks except for those years. However, I don't know how many locks were made during those years.

We also get a lot of inquires for the old keys that would fit your lock. We haven't had any of those since I've been employed here at WB for the last 18 years.

Wilson Bohannan is the oldest family owned padlock manufacturer in the USA and continues to be all American made.

Enjoy your piece of history.

Steve