Not just technicians, many locksmiths have been a part of history as well.
If you aren't familiar with any famous locksmiths, it's no surprise. Many locksmiths prefer to keep a low profile except to gain a reputable business. There are famous locksmiths within the locksmith community who are well-known for their skills as lock pickers and dominate the hobby. But as for the famous locksmiths who take their profession more seriously, little is put in the public eye.
Schneider Locksmith of New York is famous in their area of the states. But this is a famous company, not an individual. An individual of olden days who was famous for the locksmith skills was an Englishman named Robert Barron. He improved security of the lock itself with the invention in 1778 of the double tumbler lock. There was no modern day security, no electronic technology to help him. He used the impressive skills of his mind and hands to create his masterpiece of the era.
Another famous locksmith was Jeremiah Chubb.
Chubb patented a detector lock back in 1818. This particular lock had six levers and won him a cash award as well as lasting fame. Mr. Chubb was located in London.
In olden days, locks were made from wood. Whatever the material, however, they have amazed, confounded, and frustrated people over the years. They have made some people and companies rich (the inventors and manufacturers) and made others secure. No longer made from metal, these mechanical contraptions have come a long way over the years.
One famous locksmith known for other talents was Houdini. He was a magician who thrived on escape tactics. The escape tactics depend on locks of some form or fashion. Houdini was an expert lockpicker who captivated audiences with his skills.
One famous French locksmith had an interesting side job...he was the King of France and is also known to history as Louis XVI.
He was known for his reign as a bad king, but his passion was picking locks and locksmithing. He had unusual and outstanding skills as a locksmith. This may not have won him any medals of love amongst his followers, but it did put him in history as a famous locksmith.
It used to be that one had to be an apprentice to learn to be a locksmith. Being an apprentice has great benefits, one of which is recommendation from the mentor. Passing on the trade can be as rewarding as learning it from a master of the trade.
One famous locksmith was Arthur C. Smith. He specialized in ship locks in the late 1800's. Located in Wolverhampton, which is in the English West Midlands, Mr. Smith put his mark on the world.
French locksmiths, when not known for being kings, were also known for their artwork on their locks. Resembling fancy scrollwork, these locks were fashioned in the true French elaborate designs. The French liked beauty in many areas of their lives and their locks were not to be left out.
A famous American locksmith known for his bank locks was Linus Yale, Jr., of New York. James Sargent, also of New York, patented a time lock mechanism, which made him yet another important locksmith.
As you can see, locksmiths are important all over the world and throughout history. They are an important breed of human in our society, and yet one of the most overlooked. Locksmiths are constantly put to the test and should be famous for their endurance!
Learning Locksmithing
