Rotary registry padlock

Smith & Egge Company · 1884

A cast, brass registered mail lock developed by the Smith & Egge Company. The case front was marked "U S REG'D MAIL" by the manufacturer. Incorporated into the lock is a counting device that was used to prevent tampering of the mail on route, since the number indicated on the counter had to be recorded before and after every delivery. This lock replaced the earlier 1881 version by Smith & Egge, which is of similar design.