Do You Own Antique Master Locks? Here’s How to Tell.
If you live in an old home or collect antiques, you may have come across some old locks. These locks may be nothing more than a curiosity to some people, but certain locks, particularly antique Master locks, can actually be very valuable. But how can you tell the difference between an antique lock and a lock that’s just old? Well, you’ve asked the right locksmith.
Here are some tricks to help you identify antique Master Locks.
Check the Logo
Master has changed their logo over the years, so you looking at the logo on your lock will let you estimate its age. The earliest Master locks feature their logo of a lion’s face, holding the word “Master” in his teeth. For their 100th anniversary in 2021, Master brought the lion back. This time, the lion is standing on the word “Master” with the number 100 in his mouth. If you have a lock with the original lion logo, it could be from the earliest days of the company.
Look at the Design
Today, we’re used to seeing Master locks with simple designs. But antique locks often have intricate designs inspired by the movements of the time, including Art Deco and Art Noveau. These designs do not guarantee that a lock is an antique. But they certainly indicate that you are looking at an older model made in the first half of the 20th century.
Find the Serial Number
If there is a date or serial number printed on the lock, that is one of the best ways to tell when it was made. Every Master lock has a unique serial number, so a qualified locksmith should be able to help you date it. Finding a date or serial number may confirm the age of the lock, but it does not necessarily mean that the lock is valuable. If the lock has been damaged or modified at any point, that will diminish its value.
Want to know more about antique Master locks? Talk to an expert!
If you have a Master lock that you think might be an antique, the best way to find out is to ask a locksmith. At Hayden Safe & Lock, we’ve been in the business for over 100 years, so can trust that we know our locks! We’ll help you find out the age and value of your locks and whether you should use them for security purposes or keep them as collectibles.
