Modern Industrial Brass and Chrome Padlock
Security Hardware / Padlock · Generic manufacturer; commonly produced by mass-market hardware brands (e.g., Master Lock, Yale, or unbranded imports). Not a recognized silversmith or luxury brand.
Pattern: Standard utilitarian design; not part of an artistic silver pattern collection.
Type
Security Hardware / Padlock
Maker
Generic manufacturer; commonly produced by mass-market hardware brands (e.g., Master Lock, Yale, or unbranded imports). Not a recognized silversmith or luxury brand.
Material
Brass body and Chrome-plated Steel shackle. Contains 0% silver. The yellowish body is a copper-zinc alloy (brass), and the silver-colored shackle is electroplated steel.
Dimensions
Estimated 40mm to 50mm height. Weight is approximately 100-200g. Significantly denser than silver due to the steel and brass components.
Description
An industrial-grade padlock featuring a rectangular brass body and a curved metallic shackle. This is a functional security tool, not a decorative silver object or antique.
Key Features
Yellow brass body, chrome shackle, keyhole at the bottom, and heavy industrial wear on the bottom edge.
Material & Composition
Brass body and Chrome-plated Steel shackle. Contains 0% silver. The yellowish body is a copper-zinc alloy (brass), and the silver-colored shackle is electroplated steel.
Finish & Decoration
Satin brushed finish on the brass body with a polished chrome finish on the shackle. Lacks any decorative engraving, chasing, or hallmarks associated with fine silver.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No silver purity marks (925, Lion Passant, etc.). No maker's marks visible in the image. Often found with 'HARDENED' or a brand name stamped on the shackle or bottom, but none are present here.
Construction Details
Machine-manufactured through die-casting or milling. Shackle is mass-produced steel rod. Mass-produced industrial assembly.
Functional Features
Spring-loaded shackle, key-operated cylinder, locking notches on the inner shackle curve.
Handle & Grip Details
U-shaped steel shackle; no ivory, wood, or precious material handles present.
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-milled edges and mass-produced finishes. Surface exhibits consistent factory-applied brushing rather than hand-wrought texturing.
Authentication Indicators
Complete absence of silver hallmarks; presence of industrial plating; weight-to-size ratio inconsistent with sterling silver.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely manufactured in a major industrial hub such as China, India, or Taiwan. Lacks the artisanal craftsmanship and hallmarking of European or American silver workshops.
Era & Period
Contemporary Industrial Era; late 20th to early 21st century.
Age Estimate
Circa 2000–present. Modern wear patterns and materials indicate contemporary mass production.
Cultural Significance
Utility and security; represents standardized modern manufacturing rather than status or dining etiquette.
Condition Notes
Good functional condition. Shows minor scuffing and impact marks on the bottom edge, typical of tool usage rather than antique tarnish.
Value Estimate
Market value of $5.00 to $15.00 USD. Value is based solely on utility and scrap metal weight, not silver content or collector provenance.
Care & Maintenance
Requires machine oil (WD-40) for the lock mechanism. Do not use silver polish, as it will strip the chrome plating and will not affect the brass alloy.
Similar Pieces
Tiffany & Co. makes a 1837 Padlock Charm in .925 sterling, which is much smaller, highly polished, and hallmarked. This item is an industrial tool, not a jewelry alternative.
Interesting Facts
While this item is not silver, padlocks were historically made in silver as 'Padlock Heart Brooches' during the Victorian era; however, this is a modern hardware store version.