This is a padlock manufactured by the National Hardware Company, as indicated by the initials on the reverse, which dates it to circa 1890's. Truly a unique treasure, and one that you would have to assume was manufactured for pirates?
Now matey, your imagination can run wild on this one! Imagine the treasure chest this large 2 1/2" X 3 1/4" padlock kept hidden away! Arr! Could it be that it is indeed a pirates cross bones padlock lost long ago? If so, who found the treasure chest it belonged to, and who ended up with the treasures within? Or, was there even a treasure chest? Well Bucko, you get to decide whichever story your imagination prefers, as the truth may never be known! I love a good mystery!
The seller on Ebay purchased the pirate padlock from an estate sale in Waitsfield, Vermont. The Ebay auction for the antique pirate padlock was started at $9.99 and closed for $330.09 with 23 bids from 6 different bidders. The photos were taken by the Ebay seller, and used with his permission - Ebay Seller: Ski-vt. Thanks David!
