rare federal riveted and welded joint "expanded metal type" lockers from a steam engine assembly plant

we just acquired a large lot on very rare and highly sought after "expanded metal type" freestanding lockers designed and fabricated by the federal steel fixture company (chicago, il.). the thoroughly ventilated locker system was often assembled with no. 13 gauge diamond mesh expanded metal and reinforced with riveted and oxy-acetylene welded single piece frames used ensure absolute rigidity and free operating doors. the most standard finish applied to these lockers consisted of a two-coat black enameled finish baked at at an extremely high temperature to protect against rust and deterioration. alternative finishes included, but not limited to, army green and "special colors" such as white, maroon, aluminum and a wood "faux" grain. each locker unit is equipped with multiple 2-prong stationary cast iron garment hooks. the hinges are made of riveted joint steel with flanges concealed. the three-way locking device is fully functional with original cast iron t-handles free from damage. the original lightly incised yellow brass number plaques are intact. the diamond mesh lockers were salvaged from the locker rooms found in the recently shuttered paxton-mitchell railroad steam engine component foundry and assembly plant. the paxton-mitchell company was established in 1901, when james paxton and thomas w. mitchell (both employed under the union stockyards company) began development on a metallic packing design for piston rods and valve stems of reciprocating rod steam engines. by 1912, the company had greatly expanded, moving to multiple locations before settling at their current location at 27th and martha streets (omaha, nebraska). here the company constructed their main plant and offices, along with non-ferrous and iron foundries established to supply rough castings for parts for the metallic packing. in the late 1930’s, it became apparent that the locomotive market for the metallic packing was seriously threatened by the introduction of the diesel powered locomotives on the american railroads. during the war, the company adapted its production largely to parts for engines and municipal castings and other specialty jobshop castings. the company received the maritime "e" award with three successive stars for excellence of production. the iron foundry soon became the largest and most successful division within the company. today, paxton-mitchell is focused on providing high quality gray and ductile iron castings and complete machining capabilities primarily for the fluid power industry. multiple lockers available with either original green paint or brushed metal finish. the majority of the lockers contain angled tops.