We were so perplexed by its mechanics that Carl had to go back to our seller in India on his next visit and ask how it worked. One of our most unique and challenging trick padlocks has no visible keyhole on its first appearance, only a key with a thin spade-like handle and the padlock with various nailheads decorating it. One of our trick padlocks resembles a clock with a manually ticking hand whereby the key only opens the lock when the hand is pointing in a specific direction. These trick locks have interesting features, such as fake keyholes with sliding or rotating segments which reveal the real keyhole. They produced letter locks, combination padlocks and trick locks.Īt Scaramanga, we own some trick padlocks. Originally operated by a key, however, as padlocks became widespread in the 18th century, so did the art of lock-picking forcing locksmiths' to evolve their skills in order to protect valuable goods. Locksmiths began creating locks in the shapes of animals such as dragons, horses and dogs. As their popularity grew, their decorative elements developed, reflecting art in each country. Padlocks were small and easy to transport on long excursions to protect goods collected through ancient trade routes from brigands and thieves. Their portability and compactness promoted their popularity amongst merchants and travellers. Allegedly, Chinese merchants witnessed these and spread the invention around the world. They made iron locks with metal bolts, created keys by bending metal and succeeded in creating the first metal padlocks. Although, it was the Romans, in 500 BC, who invented what we know as the modern padlock. Anyone who dared to steal his treasures would perish once in snapping distance to the Crocodiles.Įgyptians, around 4000 years ago, created mechanical locks using wood with large wooden keys, which had teeth on them to activate the release, a very similar approach to what modern metal padlocks and door locks use today. Emperor Annam used hungry Crocodiles, which he called his "Guardian Angels", to protect his treasures. It is said that thousands of years ago in India, Emperor Annam used hungry Crocodiles as 'locks.' He sealed his valuable goods into large blocks of wood which were then placed near small islands submerged in the surrounding water. The history of locks can be traced back to the pre-Christ era and is frequently mentioned within the Old Testament. We value the history and craftmanship built into all of our old padlocks and old keys. As machines evolved, traditionally made locks fell out of fashion, struggling to compete with the mechanically made cheaper alternatives and unfortunately the old craft dipped too. Traditionally these locks were sold in bazaars or markets and often locksmiths fashioned locks on-site. Locksmiths often collaborated with a bronze caster to cast certain parts of the lock. They worked on the ground with simple tools and by hand. Locks were originally made by travellers and locksmiths who worked at small shops within cities. India as a country hosts great artisan traditions and access to local materials meaning their incredible craft is passed down through generations. The first padlocks were made there in 1890 by the British company Johnson & Co. Our Indian locks are primarily made in the North of India in Aligarh, a city famed for its brass, bronze, iron and aluminium industries. We source our locks between the UK and India. So, in 2009, we began searching and collecting and we now have over 20 styles in a variety of sizes and metal types including iron, brass and copper. Our padlock venture started after we collected hundreds of old and antique wooden chests with brass hasps, but we had no locks to complete them. We do this by cutting a new key for all of our vintage and antique padlocks, as well as restoring and polishing them, making it easier for you to buy well-conditioned, pre-loved and functional goods for a great price. Our ethos as a company is to encourage eco-conscious choices for our buyers. We often salvage these vintage padlocks whilst they are still locked without their original key. Some of our padlocks have their previous use engraved onto the lock, as well as the date they were made and the 25-year guarantee inscription, making each lock unique, full of character and history. Some of our steel locks were originally used to lock the doors and shutters on railway wagons. Our padlocks previously had a variety of uses, from locks on doors, windows, chests, banks and schools. At Scaramanga, we stock one of the UK's widest range of collectable, vintage and antique padlocks.
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