^Lot 100 American Railway Express Lock c1918-1929 - Railroadiana

The American Railway Express, according to Encyclopedia Britannica, was established by the U.S. Government in 1918, during WWI when the government took over the nation’s railroads, and operated under that name until 1929. In 1929, the company absorbed several other agencies and became Railway Express Agency, Inc. No information on the patent marking was readily available. This lock likely dates between 1918 and 1929. Riveted padlock marked “AM.RY.EX.” on front shackle and “PL1325” on rear shackle. Unmarked key drop on front. Rear marked “Pat. 1-21-0” above “AM.RY.EX.” Chain fob intact, but missing chain. - Jacobitz Collection