Blanket Lock Patented in 1912

Custom Trick Lock made by George Hill

This Custom lock was handcrafted by George Hill at age 15. The Trick to opening the lock is the keyhole cover. In order for the key to open this lock, the keyhole cover has to be turned to the correct position. Once it is in the position (approximately as shown) the cover must be pused down (towards the bottom of the lock). This allows the key to turn and thus opesn the lock.

Good Luck Horseshoe Shaped Lock

Trick Lock From The William Randolph Hearst collection

This unique lock came from the William Randolph Hearst Estate. The trick, is the rivet at the top right of the bolt. Pushing down on the rivet, releases the keyhole cover revealing the keyhole.

Miracle Magnet

This lock is the first design to use a magnet and standard pin tumbler configuration.

U.S. Naval Duffle Bag Lock

This lock was used by the U.S. Navy personnel for locking dufflebags.

Norman Pick-Proof Lock

This lock by the Norman company, which is no longer in business, is pick proof. That's right, pick PROOF. Unfortunately they went out of business.

Lock to Elvis Presley's Dressing Room

This lock actually comes from the Las Vegas Hilton and was the actual know and lock from the kings dressing room.

U.S. Bureau of Industrial Alcohol

This lock, likely used during the Prohibition Era, contained a paper seal between the keyhole and the keyhole cover, that would show tampering of the lock, had it been unlocked by the keyholder. This was done to ensure that those entrusted with guarding the alcohol, did not remove alcohol, nd replace it with something a little weaker, like water.

Ward Box & Key

This lock was used likely in a mental ward unit. One side (the latch plate would be affixed to a wall, while the locking mechanisim itself would be mounted to a sliding gate or large door. The estimated to be early 18th century.

Whiskey Barrel Spicket Lock

This interesting piece of history, is a whiskey barrel spicket lock. The unit itself is inserted into the whickey barrel, and the key turns a valve to release the flow of the whiskey.

Yale Display Showing Pin Tumbler Mechanics

This display unit was originally displayed at the 1915 Panama California Exposition. It is the cutaway view of Yales Pin Tumbler Lock with a removeable key. The actual size of this is evident by the size of the models hand along with the actual lock itself which is mounted on the right side, almost level with the top of the display.