E. T. Fraim Lock Company Collection, 1895-1925

 

Call Number: MG-327

1 box     2 folders     .25 cubic ft.

Repository: LancasterHistory.org (Lancaster, Pa.)

Shelving Location: Archives South, Side 8

Description: This collection contains a scrapbook (1895-1911) of magazine and news clippings and undated loose advertising materials from the Keystone Lock company of Lancaster, Pa.

Creator: Fraim, E. T.

Conditions for Access: No restrictions.

Conditions Governing Reproductions: Collection may not be photocopied. Please contact Research Staff or Archives Staff with questions.

Language: English

Source of Acquisition: Source unknown.

Historical Information: Keystone Lock was formed in 1879 by E.T. Fraim and brothers and grew to be a major manufacturing operation in Lancaster, claiming to be the largest manufacturer of locks under one roof in the world. After his death in 1917, E.T. Fraim’s son Samuel assumed ownership of the business. In 1925, his other son William purchased an interest in Slaymaker Lock, forming the Fraim-Slaymaker Lock Company. Keystone Lock Company was acquired by Safe Hardware and Lock Company in 1955. source: Locks and Lockmakers of America (Hennessey).

Administrative History: Processed and finding aid prepared by MK, March 2014.

 

Folder 1 Scrapbook

Seventy-seven pages of clippings related to Keystone Lock Works and E.T. Fraim from trade magazines and newspapers. Clippings include advertisements from E.T. Fraim padlocks; news articles about lawsuits involving the company including a patent infringement suit brought against Yale & Towne Manufacturing Company; product announcements; and other events pertaining to the company’s history. [1895-1911].

 

Folder 2 Advertising and Clippings

A small assortment of handwritten and typed advertising copy, mockups, and clippings [c. 1906]; Price Sheet No. 42 (Catalog No. 20) [undated]; magazine clippings regarding the establishment of J.W. Miller Lock and Hardware works [1907]; a magazine clipping of the abstract of a Samuel B. Fraim patent no. 1,563,181 filed June 7, 1924 [November 27, 1925].