Keys and locks have been used by man for thousands of years. They’re frequently mentioned in mythology and in the Bible. In fact, in , there’s a reference to ancient gates being repaired in Jerusalem. In those days, the locks were huge and crude and were made of wood. However, they worked and served the same purpose as today’s mechanisms.

When metalworkers and locksmiths gained more expertise in their trade, they started to make locks that were used by churches, cathedrals and royal courts in Europe. They created beautiful pieces of art, which regularly included religious motifs. (See this interesting historical tidbit from A Gazetteer of Lock and Key Makers: )

The oldest version of a mechanical lock was found in the ruins of a palace in Nineveh. This was widely used in Egypt, and is now commonly known as the . It used a crossbar attached to a pair of surface mounts that was entirely enclosed except for a tiny keyhole.  It’s considered to be the predecessor of the modern styles of locks we use today.

The Greeks had one that functioned by fastening the staple and wooden bolt to the inside of a door. A sickle-shaped wooden or iron key manipulated and lifted the bolt. Compared to the one made by Romans, this one offered little security.

The first metal lock was made by the Romans and was based on the principles of the Egyptian model. The Romans designed pins of different shapes with keyholes and keys. Many of these keys were sophisticated designs, such as flowers and birds. They also invented which, with alterations, are still being used today. Wards refer to projections near the keyhole, which prevent the turning of the mechanism when the wrong key is used. Romans also designed miniature keys that were worn as rings. All in all, these devices were pretty easy to choose.

In the 14th and 15th century, there were some considerable improvements in the locksmith industry but the designs and decorations didn’t develop significantly. In that period, craftsmen excelled in metal work and in the design and production of fasteners, latches and devices for boxes, closets, doors and gates.

A lock that was considered a piece of art was not used for securing a door. It was specially designed and produced by a skilled locksmith or an iron tradesman to test his expertise and ability to create it. These types of latches were frequently displayed, and weren’t covered so that people could see how they worked, the components of their mechanism, and their beautiful design.

At the beginning of World War II, in the 1940s, locksmiths were in great demand. Those working in the field during this era didn’t get time to practice their trade, but primarily focused on the war. Some professionals continued to practice and many others were recruited into service.

Fast forward to today: Locksmiths learn their trade in many educational institutions and engineering departments all over the world. The best way to learn the trade in our area is to take offline and online courses, although you can start as an apprentice for a local company and learn while working. If you want to become a  or any other town in the region, enroll for a training program online or at any of the vocational schools in TN.

Today, a Franklin professional  on a certain skill (such as designing or working only on vehicles or working for a car company), works from his business premises (often working with door-related hardware, like frame repairs, closers, hinges, electric strikes, etc.), works as a security consultant, works for security institutions (such as designing and creating devices that guard against break-ins or theft), or works for investigation institutions (as a forensic locksmith).

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