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The pictured item is 2- 5/8 inches high by 1- 3/4 inches wide.
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It looks like a can opener.
It’s an unusual metal pad lock, marked “Y & T” in a cartouche and “Patd Oct 9 1894.”
Agree that it looks like a padlock from October late 1800’s… since it’s only 1 3/4 inches wide I kind of doubt that it’s a hand cuff….
Early hand cuff?
1880s padlock
It could be an old 1800″ s lock to a bank security box or personal document security box.
I believe it is an early thumb cuff. I heard they used them on particularly dexterous criminals who could pick locks.
I’m gonna guess either a jewelry box lock or a book lock of some kind?
It’s a lock
flash472002 is correct a bicycle lock fo the wheel
Agree, pad lock
Maybe a bicycle lock that was intended to be locked onto a wheel, to prevent the bike from being ridden.
Yale & Towne bicycle lock.
We believe it was a handcuff or early padlock.
Can’t be a cuff link with such a small opening. Possibly a lock for coin bag or gold nugget bag where the open top is gathered and secured under the swing-open lock bail. The inside surface doesn’t show any wear so it was apparently not used on metal hasps.
vintage padlock