Earlier this year I see there was discussion of locks using a Grasshopper type key - starting with the Hall 5,686 patent of Aug 1, 1848, and continuing with Linus Yale 10,584 of Feb 28, 1854 and 12,932 of May 22, 1855. However, I am looking for information about Pickford & Whiting, and their patent 17,815 of July 14, 1857. Much like the Hall’s 1848 key, except with a longer base that would stick out the front of the lock while still fully inserted - and be held in place by a side spring that would project from the lock and be visible at the side of the key slot - see attached picture. (I do not have a key.)
The unique feature here is that it is a “changeable key” lock - here meaning that the key that locks the lock must be the key that is used to open the lock - and a different key could in theory be used for each time the lock is locked. There is no suggestion that the pins in the key are changeable. An additional “key” simply acts to throw and retract the bolt. Here, as in earlier locks, the straight 5-pin Grasshopper style key does nothing to move the bolt.
Attached are some additional pictures.
Does anyone have any information about these people and this safe lock - or any others that also involved a grasshopper style key? Has anyoe seen their name or dating reference on any keys? Thanks!
