Here is a conversation piece -- this is a big padlock from the New York Central Railroad's stock yard operation in Buffalo, New York.

It is big and heavy (it weighs 1 pound) and I believe it is iron, not steel, but I am not a metal expert. Regardless, these stockyard locks are quite difficult to find in any condition. The rivets appear to be untouched original and brass.

CONDITION - important! It is solid and sound but we do not have a key. The surface is rough from use and exposure to elements in a livestock handling facility. It makes a great display in a case.

PLEASE NOTE that it does not lock shut - the shackle is loose and swings open and shut on its own. ALSO - there is no dust cover over the key hole. The original is missing -- however, I have never seen one of these locks WITH a dust cover - it is possible that when the railroad discarded them, they broke them off. It is also possible that since I have seen only a handful of these locks, many DO have dust covers (and I simply have not come across one yet).