Nowadays it is not really a big deal to call your locksmith provider and have any your lock or key problem sorted out quickly and efficiently. It doesn’t matter whether you are experiencing a house lockout situation or you need your car keys replaced. You know that everything will be done for you. Today people take for granted that all necessary locksmith services are available, but it was not always so. Locksmithing is an ancient profession that underwent significant changes during the process of human evolution. Have you ever thought how it started?
The Evolution of Locksmithing as a Profession
Despite the fact that some people assume that the profession of locksmithing originates in the Middle Ages with the spread of metal production, “ancient” locksmith services were performed a long time before that. The first locks were not so small and portable as they are today, but they worked on the same principle as the modern ones. There is one more interesting fact about the first locks.
Guess what? They were made of wood.
Locksmithing is one of the oldest professions in the whole world that is thought to have come from Egypt and the Babylon Empire around 4000 years ago. The large wooden locks had pins that could be moved with the help of a wooden key that looked like a giant toothbrush. After some time, this “service” spread to Rome and Greece. It was very popular among the rich Roman citizens to wear their keys like rings. In this way, they showed that they were wealthy and had something to be kept secure.
The first metal locks appeared around 870-900 AD in England and then spread all over Europe. There were simple bolt locks made of iron or brass. However, the rise in artistic achievement was in the Middle Ages. In 14th-17th centuries, very talented locksmiths created locks of the very sophisticated design for the aristocracy. In fact, the word “locksmith” derives from the word “blacksmith”. Blacksmiths used to make gear for the knights as well as locks. After some time, locksmith service was performed by the people who specialized in locksmithing.
Lock mechanisms were also considerably improved. In the 18th century, locks became more durable and secure. In 1778, Robert Barron presented an improved variant of a lever tumbler lock that became more secure against burglars. In fact, it is used until now. From this point on, many famous locksmiths significantly improved the quality of locks.
However, with the industrial mass production, the profession of a locksmith changed dramatically. Before industrialization, locksmiths created all devices by hand. It took a long time and cost a lot to make a lock. Due to industrialization and the production of cheap locks, the classical locksmith profession became out-of-date.
Two main locksmith specializations began to evolve. Some locksmiths repaired industrial locks and duplicated keys, the others worked for the companies that designed safes for commercial security needs.
Modern Locksmiths – Who Are They?
With the rapid development of technology, modern locksmith technicians are able to carry out any kind of locksmith service in a timely manner. Real locksmith professionals must be skilled at metalwork as well as woodwork and mechanics. Thanks to extensive experience and the best equipment, they can satisfy all your security needs. Well-trained locksmiths are always ready to perform the following services:
- automotive;
- residential;
- commercial;
- emergency.
Panda Locksmiths in Chicago, IL are the qualified experts who are ready to assist you with any lock or key problem you may have. We work 24/7 to make you feel completely secure. Contact us today and you will be treated with the professionalism you deserve.