The History of Locksmithing
Locksmiths are professionals who design and service locks and other hardware mechanisms. The term locksmith refers to an individual who shapes metal into locks. Though locksmiths rarely handcraft locks today, the name is still used to refer to any hardware-related professional. Today, licensed locksmiths in the United States must pursue an apprenticeship and certification program through the Associated Locksmiths of America. Many other countries have similar regulatory bodies that train and certify locksmiths.
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Early History
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The oldest locks ever discovered were found in ancient Egypt and date back 4,000 years. They were found in Khorsabad, Persia, and were made from precisely carved wood. These ancient locks were made from three basic components, including a crossbeam, tumbler and wooden key. The locksmiths who created this lock relied on the same pin tumbler technology used today. A key is used to line locking pins up along a shear line. When the correct key is inserted, the pins line of properly and the lock mechanism is released.
Ancient Greece and Rome
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Locksmithing technology stayed virtually the same for the next 2,000 years. Greek locksmiths used a slightly less sophisticated locking mechanism, which required only a sickle-shaped key. This type of key was easily forged and offered little real security. The ancient Romans are believed to have created the first metal locks, which were made from iron, and featured ornate designs. Though the Roman locksmiths relied on the Egyptian pin tumbler technology, they are also credited with developing an important technology of their own. To improve security, they added a feature known as a key ward, which was a projection around the keyhole that helps prevent lock-picking.
Locksmithing Guilds
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By the 14th century, most cities had their own locksmithing guild. This professional organization helped regulate lock technology and the profession itself. It established a system of apprenticeship to train new locksmiths in the art of lock creation. During this period, the focus was on creating aesthetically pleasing locks, and not so much in developing more secure technologies. As a result, lock technology stayed virtually the same through the 18th century, relying on the Egyptian pin tumbler design.
Rapid Technology Expansion
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During the 18th century, the primary focus of locksmithing changed toward improved security, rather than appearance. In 1778, British locksmith Robert Barron made the first real technological lock improvement since the ward projections of the ancient Romans. Barron developed a double-acting tumbler that was considered vastly superior to other types of locks. In 1817, a burglary at a British dockyard led the British government to offer cash rewards to anyone who could create a truly unpickable lock. Locksmith Jeremiah Chubb rose to the challenge and created his "Detector" lock, which could only be opened by a specially designed key.
Modern Locksmithing
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During the 19th century, many of the major lock companies that remain in business today were born. All relied on the basic lock technology created by Jeremiah Chubb, though many locksmiths added their own improvements. By the early 20th century, the locksmithing profession had changed dramatically. The Industrial Revolution allowed for mass production of locks, freeing up the locksmith who had traditionally hand-made all locks and components. This has allowed modern locksmiths to focus on security consultation, assisting the public with emergency lock-picking and other lock-related needs, and developing new technologies to improve the industry.
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