Western NSW Railways 1870 Iron Crab Lock

LOCK, an iron replica crab lock with a brass key area that has "NSW Railways 1870 Pat. 0873" and above that in raised letters is "Crab Lock". It has an antique finish and a key. It opens up and closes like a claw to lock and does lock and unlock well. The lock measures 4 3/4 inches tall by 2 1/4 inches wide. Around the middle of the 19th century, “Scandinavian” style locks were introduced in America and became a more secure alternative to the prevailing smokehouse and screw locks.