magnetic padlock

[markvii]

I have a magnetic padlock from an older Mark II. I've searched the forum but never seen any reference to them here. It looks like a regular padlock but it has 2 magnetic keys with it. On the front of the lock it says Mercury in big letters & on the bottom left it says MARK II. Does anyone know anything about it or what it might be worth? I'm a new member.

[Barry Wolk]

Welcome to the site.

Post a picture. What's your serial number?

[markvii]

Unfortunately this is the only thing left from this classic. It was my friends dad's car and has went to classic car heaven years ago.

I am attaching a picture.

[Barry Wolk]

Looks like a luggage lock. There's no place on a Mark II for a lock like that to go.

[Nick DeSpirito]

Maybe it was made by this company? I doubt if it is for a vehicle. Does it have a part or model number anywhere on it?

http://www.mercurylock.com/padlocks.html

[Barry Wolk]

Looks like that Mercury Lock is a service company, not a manufacturer.

[markvii]

No, there are no numbers on it. The only thing that is on it is MERCURY & MARK II on the lock & Mercury II on the keys.

[Barry Wolk]

Checking further I found that there is a Mercury Luggage Company that's been around for a very long time. I'm betting that the lock has nothing to do with our Mark IIs.

http://www.distributorcentral.com/websites/MercuryLuggage/images/Banner-for-Mercury.jpg

I've contacted the firm to confirm my supposition.

[markvii]

Thanks for the ongoing research. I guess because it was in the car I automatically thought it went to it or that it was an optional accessory.

BOY DO I FELL LIKE A DUMMY!

[5bird7]

Just looked that up on ebay and found another lock just like it. The search also brought up Mercury Snowmobiles and they had a Mark II edition in the early 70s

[Nick DeSpirito]

Yep, here's the link to the auction. Bidding is up to $4.99 See what this one goes for and then you'll know what yours is worth.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Mercury-Mark-II-Magnetic-Strip-Padlock_W0QQitemZ260523941236QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH _DefaultDomain_0?hash=item3ca86fdd74

[Barry Wolk]

Thanks for the ongoing research. I guess because it was in the car I automatically thought it went to it or that it was an optional accessory.

BOY DO I FELL LIKE A DUMMY!

Hardly. I suppose I might have made the same assumption.

[5bird7]

I collect a lot of Thunderbird memorabilia. Back in the 50s alot of other companies cashed in on the name Thunderbird. You'll find cameras, clothing, radios, picnic jugs, etc... that cashed in on the name, even using the same script lettering. Mark II is even more of a generic term yet it also brings to mind THE Mark II when used on other stuff. He probably acquired it because of the association many car people have when hearing/seeing the name Mark II.

[markvii]

Thanks, I checked on E-bay & that is the same lock I have. To bad I won't be near my internet connection when they auction is over. I'd be curious what it ends up going for. Once again thank you everyone for your input & research. I just wish it would have been something that could have been of use to you guys.

[5bird7]

Mark, just put a watch on the item. when the bidding is over, check your "my ebay" and you'll find it listed there under watched/ended auctions.

[Nick DeSpirito]

Thanks, I checked on E-bay & that is the same lock I have. To bad I won't be near my internet connection when they auction is over. I'd be curious what it ends up going for. Once again thank you everyone for your input & research. I just wish it would have been something that could have been of use to you guys.

The auction has ended. 2 bids total. Sale price $4.99 + $5.65 Shipping. Here is the link

http://cgi.ebay.com/Mercury-Mark-II-Magnetic-Strip-Padlock_W0QQitemZ260523941236QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH _DefaultDomain_0?hash=item3ca86fdd74

[markvii]

Thanks for getting that final price on ebay. I think rather than going thru the work of trying to sell it on ebay I'll just hang it back on the nail on my garage
wall & there it will stay. It's been nice talking with all of you. Thanks!

Markvii

[pprsjr]

Just Signed on to forum and saw your post from 2009. My father 93 rs young gave me a lock just like the one you described. Did you have any luck finding info on lock. If i didnt have lock in hand i would think it to be a myth as i cannot find info anywhere.

[Pat Marshall]

A magnetic padlock was issued for the US Bicentenial on the front it said "American Bicentential 1776 - 1976" on the reverse was "Mercury and "Mark II".

http://www.antique-padlocks.com/show_picture.htm?pictures/commem/bicen_1839.jpg.

Mercury Mark II was the original name for the Gemini Space Program of the 60's, but I doubt that this is related.