Locks and keys have been part of human history for thousands of years, as far back as the Mesopotamiakingdom, documenting the evolution of security from ancient times to the present day. However, vintage locks and keys don’t only tell the story of our past but also reflect the ingenuity and artistry of their times.
It’s commonly known that many people are fascinated with antique items and proudly exhibit vintage furniture, clocks, cabinets and many more in their homes. Similarly, many people own extensive collections of all types of locks and keys, many of which are still completely functional. In addition to that, security has always been a basic human need, and that’s why exploring the fascinating world of antique locks and keys, their types, security effectiveness, restoration, and value is such an interesting matter.
Types of Antique Locks
The design of locks has evolved significantly over the centuries and each type has marked a significant advancement in the technology of security. However, there are five main types of vintage locks that are especially worth looking into.
Pin Tumbler Lock
The pin tumbler lock, dating back to 4000 B.C., is one of the earliest known locking mechanisms. Found in the ruins of the Khorsabad Palace, this lock used pins of different lengths to prevent unauthorised access, which is a concept that’s still used in modern locks.
Sliding Bolt Locks
Used by the Greeks around 1000 B.C., sliding bolt locks featured a metal key that could slide a bolt to unlock doors. These types of locks were actually an early form of the deadbolt lock people use today.
Warded Lock
Popular through medieval times, warded locks were made from metal and required a key with a specific shape to match their internal obstructions. This made them more secure than any of the previous locks.
Safety Lock
Invented in 1784, the safety lock featured a cylindrical key with a series of notches that aligned wafers within the lock to open it, which offered enhanced security against picking.
Combination Lock
Emerging around 1000 A.D., combination locks required a code of letters, numbers or symbols to unlock. They were advanced further in the 19th century by adding an extra layer of security without the need for a physical key.
Are Antique Locks Secure?
While antique locks are a testament to historical craftsmanship, they often can’t match the level of modern-day security. This is because their mechanisms are usually simpler and more vulnerable to picking compared to contemporary locks.
Similar to other vintage items that people buy, antique locks are also often damaged. Luckily, they can be restored, but if the owner aims to preserve the lock’s original appearance, it’s often not possible to make it completely functional. This is typically done by contacting an expert locksmith who is familiar with antique lock systems and can bring it back to its original state. However, it’s important to note that the older a lock is, the harder it can be to repair, and they serve mainly as an aesthetic feature.
Types of Antique Keys
Similar to the locks they open, antique keys are also varied and intricate. Many of them have been lost over the years, and because of that, they’re one of the most commonly found items when metal detecting.
There are five main types that are worth noting.
Skeleton Key
Designed to open multiple warded locks, skeleton keys have a simple, minimalistic design, which is often seen in old mansions and historical estates. They’re often associated with hotels, apartment buildings, warehouses, churches and offices.
Bit Key
The bit key was common between the 17th and 19th centuries and featured a long shank with a solid, shaped bit. These keys were typically used with warded locks of reinforced doors, safes, furniture and trunks.
Padlock Key
Padlock keys were often used for small, delicate locks on jewellery and wooden boxes, cabinets and diaries. They were used in situations which required portability, often needed by travelling merchants on trade routes, and that’s why they’ve made their way around the entire world.
The earliest known form of these types of keys dates back to the Roman Era, around 300 and 400 B.C., but they have also been found in ancient China.
Interchangeable Key
Interchangeable keys were a rare find and could be adjusted to fit different locks, which made them the predecessor to the master key system.
Sewing Machine Keys
Specifically designed for sewing machines, sewing machine keys are a collector’s item, symbolising the industrial era’s ingenuity.
Are Antique Keys Worth It?
The short answer is – maybe, it depends.
Collecting antique keys can be a rewarding hobby. While these items’ monetary value varies, the historical and aesthetic appeal they add to collections is undeniable. For those passionate about history and craftsmanship, skeleton keys, specifically are worth the investment. They are popularly collected with their value varying greatly depending on their age, decorative elements and details, weight, shape, size and condition.
However, it’s worth noting that many keys are made of metal that’s prone to rust and there are a lot of ones nowadays that mimic old-fashioned styles. This means that even if you find a rusty key, it won’t necessarily be an antique.
How to Restore Antique Door Hardware
Restoring antique door hardware requires a lot of patience and skill. For this job, locksmiths often need to handcraft missing parts, as they aren’t commercially available. Besides that, these experts must be skilled in antique restoration and be able to bring these historical pieces back to their former state, both preserving their functionality and aesthetic value.
If it’s done successfully and properly, the restored locks and keys can add a unique, warm and inviting feeling to an interior and enhance its vintage style.
Final Words
While vintage locks and keys may not offer the level of security people require nowadays, they serve as a window into our past, showing the evolution of security and craftsmanship over thousands of years. Their historical significance and aesthetic appeal make them treasured and highly appealing collectable and decorative items, holding the interest of enthusiasts and historians alike. However, restoring these antique pieces is a delicate process, which is best left to skilled locksmiths who respect and understand their value.
