Resources for western US locks and safes

yaxley

I’ve done some searching on this forum but haven’t found what I need. I’m looking for a book or resource that covers old west (US) locks, keys and safes. Locks used for jails, doors, chests, etc. as well as safes. Looking for something illustrated that explains how they work and the history.

Any ideas?
Thanks.

Dean Nickel

Locks used in the west were one of two types. Ones made in the east and shipped west or very simple locks made by the blacksmith. Now that is not to say that there were no manufacturing going on in the west but there was very little before about 1880-90 in the lock world West of the Mississippi river. After that point you start to have ones popping up all over the place into the 1890-1950. So it all comes down to when do you want to know about? The best book on the subject is “Early Locks and Lockmakers of America” by Thomas Hennessy as he goes into all of them.[h=1]
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http://www.amazon.com/Early-lockmakers-America-Thomas-Hennessy/dp/B0006CNZZE

yaxley

Great and thanks for the link. I have it in the cart. This forum has really got my interest in old locks, keys, and safes. Old meaning US old west. 🙁happy):

Pschiffe

I can suggest two additional publications which may be of interest: 150 Years of Builders’ Hardware: Forms, Use & Lore © 1993 by Maud L. Eastwood. For sale by The Antique Doorknob Publishing Co., PO Box 2609, Woodinville, WA 98072-2609 Includes a brief Addendum entitled West Coast Inventions which includes a listing of U.S. Patents, inventors and dates. The Builders Hardware Industry, A United States History, 1830s to 1990s © 1996 by Walter H. McAninch. For sale by the Lock Museum of America. Has an emphasis on western manufacturers and suppliers as the author was employed for many years in the builders’ hardware industry in Seattle, Washington. Pete Schifferli Tonawanda, NY

yaxley

Thanks and I’ll check them out. I should have phrased my question better, meaning locks that were used in the west…not necessarily manufactured there. Most of the gold camps sprung up over night and stuff came in by wagon loads.