A very interesting find on Ebay from several years ago was an all steel version of a J.H.W. CLIMAX Co padlock.
Click on photos for a larger image

So far I haven’t been able to find out much about the manufacturer of the padlock which was J.H.W. CLIMAX Co. other than the company was started in 1883 by John H. Wilkins (JHW), who was originally a partner in Romer & Co.
Stamped on the steel shackle “J.H.W. CLIMAX NEWARK N.J. U.S.A”, the company moved from New York to New Jersey in the very early 1900’s.

Both the case and shackle are made of steel, with a brass key. I tried to only to do a minimum amount of cleaning just to remove loose dirt and grime.

The brass key is also stamped “J.H.W. CLIMAX NEWARK N.J.U.S.A” and does show some wear from use.



The key opens the padlock easily with a single turn, and the drop cover closes with spring tension.




I have found quite a few examples of this type of “Railroad” padlock by
J.H.W. CLIMAX with a brass case and shackle or brass case and steel shackle, but so far this is the only one that I have seen with both a steel case and shackle.
I have additional Hi-resolution photos on my Flicker page if interested.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/barbouri/albums/72157697804519620
My grandfather Royal H Brown (née. 1893) owned the Climax Lock Company which he in turn bought from my maternal great grandfather John Wilkins who was a German immigrant. My grandfather ran the company until a few years after WWII when he sold it to avoid a dispute between my dad and uncle.
During his time of ownership, my grandfather sold these locks to many eastern railroads, mostly for switch locks. The brass weathered pretty well compared to steel.
Pete Brown
Anchorage, AK
I have climax lock that was found in my wife’s grandfather’s storage building in the Oklahoma panhandle. This lock is all brass and has been shot on the upper left front and the key cover. Key cover took a direct hit but still moves freely. Also the lock has a chain hanging from a small steel clevis at the bottom. Wondering how rare this lock is and what it might sell for.
Thanks in advance for any info.
It seems that the brass versions of these locks are somewhat common.
I am far from an expert on lock valuation, but the ones with specific company names and associated history have higher valuation.
This all steel version seems to be very rare or poorly documented on the internet.
Pete,
I am curious to find out if you know why your maternal great grandfather John H. Wilkins named his company “Climax” and what relevance that may carry with the lock itself.
Regards,
Jason Hollis
Pennsylvania
Iv got two of these locks with the keys. JHW Climax Came Warkn USA. Both have the shackles and are on the same old chain. I’m also wondering what they could be worth? Any help would be appreciated… Thank you. Jerry.
Hi Jerry,
I am far from an expert on these locks, but unless they have some special feature or provenance, most are worth $10 to $30 USD.
Greg(Barbouri)
Does anyone know when they made locks and keys for the army, for places like Fort Monroe, VA.? Have key fob and J.H.W. CLIMAX CO. NEWARK, N.J. on key.
I have 2 locks identical to the one shown, but am missing the keys. Do you know where I can funds keys for these locks?
Hi Laura,
The keys seem to be even more rare than the padlocks.
In my opinion your best bet would be working with a locksmith that specializes in vintage and antique locks.
My father was employed by Climx for over 50 years. He was honored by the co. afterMr. Brown sold it. I have many of the locks , all sizes with keys.
what is the value of these locks?
JimPdent660@gmail.com