Locksmiths have quite a fascinating job. Most people only think of them in times of emergency, when they are in need of a locksmith’s services.
Texan Lock and Key would like to share some fun and interesting facts about the locksmith trade.
– Francois Gamain, a locksmith betrayed King Louis XVI. Francois Gamain was a locksmith who was instrumental in bringing down Louis XVI. Louis XVI, his wife Marie Antoinette and their children faced the guillotine during the French Revolution. Gamain was thought of as a loyal friend, and Louis never thought him capable of betrayal.
– Harry Houdini was a Locksmith before becoming an Escape Artist. Harry Houdini was a locksmith before he got into the entertaining business. Houdini was known for being the best escape artist of all time, and kept his secrets well protected. Houdini would extensively study locks and learn to beat them.
– James Sargent developed the first combination lock. In 1857, James Saregent, an American, developed the first combination lock. His invention still underpins the technology of many time-lock mechanisms in modern banks.
– Robert Barron patented a double-acting tumbler lock. A British inventor, Robert Barron patented a double-acting tumbler lock in 1778 that are still in use to date.
– Lock Picker Charles Courtney. Charles Courtney was a locksmith, and internationally famous. He acquired the popularity by conducting unique diving. He took on his adventure to the ocean floor in search of sunken ships and the safes that was harbored there in. Having an extraordinary gift for picking locks, he was hired by companies for retrieval.
– Oldest Locks. Egyptians first developed locks over 4,000 years ago. Found by archeologists in the Khorsabad ruins near Niniveh. They used a large wooden bolt to secure the door which had several holes or slots. To lock it in place, it was filled with pegs.
Oldest key locks. In 704 BC, the oldest key locks were made, found in the ruins of Emperor Sargon II palace during the Assyrian Empire. Resembling the pin tumbler principle in modern locks.
– Metal Locks. Metal locks showed up in 9th century BC and believe to have originated from Britain. Consisting of iron bolts and keyhole fitted wards, this hindered the locks to be tampered with. Wards are obstructions that block the rotation of a key besides the key that was designed for the specific lock. Used by the Romans, they continued to be used for thousands of years.
– The locksmith trade. Locksmiths combined the trades of a carpenter, mechanic, machinist, and security expert. Considering the different mechanisms needed for security, it’s only natural they take on so much knowledge to execute the job most people eventually are in need of.
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There are many more fun and interesting facts regarding the locksmith trade. Texan Lock and Key has the expertise and experience to help with your locksmith needs. Contact us for a consultation and audit of your locks today!
