Small British Prison Padlock

[Dopug]

Got a real bit of treasure here, it's an old prison padlock.

It's has "H.M.P.S" (Her Majesty's Prison Service) stamped on the padlock body

The numbers 1545 stamped on the side of the lock and the key.

"HARDENED" across the shackle

and "British Make" on both sides of the key

The lock has been heavily oiled and is full of dirt, so it feels sluggish if you know what i mean, it could really do with being put in a sonic bath or something to give it a good clean. I'm wondering if the lock had seized up at some point and all the oil was used to get it going again.

So far I have not been able to pick this which has really annoyed me as it seems to be just a small 5 pin tumbler, so shouldn't be top hard, but then again it is a prison lock, so i guess it's pretty well made

[chris]

Very cool, great find.

[virul]

Veeerrrryyyy nice!

[awol70]

VERY cool.
(I would have assumed postal service at first glance...)

[uklockpicker]

Was this on ebay ? i think i see this but wasnt convinced its hmp

[Dopug]

Was this on ebay ? i think i see this but wasnt convinced its hmp

It was on ebay mate. and your right, the only proof this lock is legit is HMPS engraved on the front, which could have been done by anyone.

But what mates me think it's legit is that the engraving is very deep and it has had a serial number engraved on the side of the lock and the key, as if it was one of many and key and lock needed to be easily identified, which would make sense for the prison service as everything would be serial numbered and documented

It's only a small lock so was probably only used for securing a cupboard or something, I'm trying to find out some more info on. I'm hoping to track down an old prison officer to see if he recognizes it.

British prison are usually known as HMP Parkhurst, or HMP Bedford. So the "S" might not stand for service, it could be the first letter of the prisons name, like HMP Springhill.

I'll see if i can get some proof of it's legitimacy, and if anyone else knows anything about it please post