Civil War padlock with spread-eagle and “D&M”, ca. 1861 – 1865 (SOLD)

This is another nice piece being offered; it is a Civil War padlock measuring 2 ½” x 3 1/2” x 3/4”. The brass keyhole cover is marked with a spread eagle and “D&M”, which indicates that it was probably under a federal government contract. The “D.M” stands for Davenport, Mallory & Co. The company name was established in 1861 and ended with the death of Mallory in 1865 when it was changed to Mallory, Wheeler & Co.

These locks were used mainly for artillery ammunition chests; it was very important that the ammunition was secured. Padlocks and parts of these locks are a common find at Civil War sites, but rare to find a D.M with eagle mark example.

The lock shows its age but remains in solid condition and it will still open and close – as typical, there is no key. I show one of these locks in my book “Battle of Gettysburg – The Relics, Artifacts & Souvenirs”, it was dug at the Wheatfield in Gettysburg (see pictures). This piece would fit in well with any artillery collection or personal effects.