Patent for an Improved Padlock Design

On 25 June 1878, Wilson Bohannan received U.S. Patent No. 205,171 for an improvement in padlocks. The design incorporated a hinged shackle, tumbler mechanism and key-retaining arrangement, together with versions featuring a movable cover over the keyhole. The design became part of our commercial product range. Our 1894 catalogue shows several cast-bronze spring padlocks stamped “PATENTED JUNE 25, 1878,” including tumbler locks with plain or spring-operated keyhole covers. Surviving examples also show the patent being used for specialised customers: documented locks made for the Buffalo, Rochester & Pittsburgh railroad and Standard Oil carry the 1878 patent date and are identified with Patent No. 205,171