CES PADLOCKS

According to the CES sheets the Ferrets were supplied with padlocks to secure the bins. These locks are quite primitive, and are intended to "keep the honest troopers honest". They are constructed of two riveted outer pieces with a single curved piece which spaces the outer plates apart. This curved piece has protrusions which serve as the "rivets". The locking mechanism is also quite simple, utilizing four levers to unlock the hasp.

Some of the locks were bade by Belfry, and have the /|\ (broad arrow) stamped on the face. They also had the key number stamped in the upper left part of the face. The keys are termed "barrel" keys, and have a hole in the end of the shaft into which a pin inside the lock fits. These keys, or keys that will fit and operate the lock(s) are often found in an older locksmith shop, usually in a box with lots of others. I have measured the keys provided with the locks I have and that data is posted below.

Four lever locks were quite common, and many of the older locksmith shops may have a box of old keys for them. I have four original CES broad arrow marked padlocks and keys which are #85, 78, 83, 74. According to the measurements of the keys (below), these keys are cut as follows (from tip towards handle):

 

Key #74 – 2, 3, 4, 3

Key #78 – 1, 3, 2, 4

Key #83 – 3, 1, 2, 3

Key #85 – 3, 4, 1, 3

(NOTE: The farthest end towards the tip of the key blade is never cut. #1 indicates the highest “cut”, which is the blade, uncut and left at full height). The other cuts lower the blade to operate the three other levers in the lock.

In other words, the highest blade (uncut) is #1, next highest is #2, next is #3, and the deepest cut is #4. You should be able to “decode” your keys, if you have them. Please pass along the info so we can establish a data base of key codes for those padlocks, sort of like what we have done for the ignition switch locks and keys.

FINDING A SET OF LOCKS

The "Old English" lock is still available, but not with the broad arrow MOD mark. Some are made by Belfry, which apparently supplied many of the original locks. Here is a listing that I have found:

 

Henry Squire 220 Old English Padlock with Steel Case 38mm, £6.49 (best price I found)

 

Belfry 4 lever 38 mm padlock, £7.12