Description
Locks and Keys Throughout the Ages is widely regarded as one of the finest books ever written on the history of locks and keys. It is highly recommended for antique lock collectors, architectural historians, locksmiths, blacksmiths, and home machinists. The book is illustrated throughout with photographs from the renowned Lips Collection.
First published in 1957, the book was written by Vincent J.M. Eras, then director of the highly respected Lips Safe and Lock Manufacturing Company (now part of the ASSA ABLOY Group, alongside Yale, Chubb, and others). A master locksmith, inventor, and dedicated collector, Eras brought decades of practical and historical knowledge to this work. At the time of writing, he had spent 58 years in the lock manufacturing industry, making this a foundational locksmithing history book.
In the preface, he writes:
“I consider it a gratifying task to place on record my experiences and through this book save them from oblivion. At the same time an excellent opportunity is presented to show the reader my collection of antique and modern locks—the tangible result of more than 50 years travelling, searching and study in many countries.”
Illustrated with over 280 black-and-white photographs and drawings, this book presents a sweeping lock mechanisms history, tracing the development of locks from the earliest wooden devices to modern systems, while clearly explaining how they function.
This edition is a high-quality hardcover reprint of the 1957 original, produced by special arrangement with ASSA ABLOY. The typeface has been completely reset, and the photographs have been digitally corrected. In many cases, image quality equals or exceeds that of the original edition.
Artisan Ideas is pleased to make this important and long-unavailable work accessible once again, particularly for those interested in antique locks history and the evolution of mechanical security.
REVIEWS
“I am asked many lock questions in the course of a year. The most common one is: ‘Where can I learn more about locks and keys?’ This book is what I recommend collectors read first. I personally feel all lock and key collectors should have this book. It contains a mixture of European and American locks and keys across time, including lock mechanisms. This is a quality book in every way—an impressive work.”
— Robert Dix, Journal of Lock Collecting (American Lock Collectors Association), Vol. 51, No. 1, March 2020
“Great history and a good read.”
— Mark Kochan, The Anvil’s Ring (ABANA)
“There are fewer than a dozen truly informative books on locks and keys in the world, and many are long out of print. This is one of the best, now back in print after a 45-year absence. Anyone interested in locksmithing, locks and keys, or the history of physical security should own a copy.
The images in this edition have been digitally enhanced and are often larger than in the original, making details easier to see. The book traces the development of locks from simple wooden devices to modern combination and time locks, with photographs of rare early examples and diagrams of modern systems. Locks of every type and period (up to 1957) are represented.
Vincent J.M. Eras, a certified Master Locksmith with the renowned LIPS company (now ASSA ABLOY), had exceptional access to major collections across Europe. His work remains a foundational source for later histories of locks and keys.”
— Jock Dempsey, AnvilFire.com, Certified Locksmith
SPECIFICATIONS
Hardcover
184 pages
284 black-and-white photographs and drawings
SAMPLE PAGES
