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Figure 1: Ancient Egyptian lock

Figure 2: Contemporary version of the Yale lock (Left) All pins lifted to proper height by correct key, which can be turned to open lock, and (right) pins lifted to incorrect height by wrong key, lock will not open

Figure 3: Warded lock and key

Figure 4: Barron tumbler lock, 1778

Figure 5: Bramah lock, 1784

Figure 6: Combination safe lock The lock cannot be opened until the slots on the three wheels are in line; movement of the dial is transmitted to each wheel by a system of pins (in practice much shorter than shown), arms, and studs

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Written and fact-checked by The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Photos

Figure 1: Ancient Egyptian lock

Figure 2: Contemporary version of the Yale lock (Left) All pins lifted to proper height by correct key, which can be turned to open lock, and (right) pins lifted to incorrect height by wrong key, lock will not open

Figure 3: Warded lock and key

Figure 4: Barron tumbler lock, 1778

Figure 5: Bramah lock, 1784

Figure 6: Combination safe lock The lock cannot be opened until the slots on the three wheels are in line; movement of the dial is transmitted to each wheel by a system of pins (in practice much shorter than shown), arms, and studs

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Topics

key padlock Yale lock warded lock time lock tumbler ward Barron lock Bramah lock combination lock fence fire prevention and control computer security doorstop

Key People

Charles Chubb

British inventor