17th-century smart lock

[cogar]

Now who would have guessed this lock was that old? 

17th-century smart lock was really smart

Designed by John Wilkes, the lock was used on a door to a room where valuables were kept, according to description of the lock on the Museum’s website. It was made in Birmingham, England of brass and engraved steel, with restorations, and has a cast steel key.

So, how secure and smart was this smart lock forerunner? The security features include:

--By cocking the hat of the soldier (embossed on the lock cover), you could secure the lock quickly

--To unlock, you would turn the knob as the hat is pushed down

--The keyhole is concealed by the soldier's leg, which operates on a pivot. When a button is pressed, the leg swings forward to reveal the keyhole

--The key turns both bolts and a further turn “shoots” the main bolt

One of the most intriguing features was its “detector lock” technology, which counts each time it is unlocked. “This told the owner if the door had been opened in his absence,” according to a video posted by the museum.

Read more @ http://www.foxnews.com/tech/2017/04/21/17th-century-smart-lock-was-really-smart.html

[ghopper1924]

Just by looking at it, I would have thought it was "ye olde tourist item" from Plymouth ("America's Home Town") or Agawam or Boston or some such.

I would never have thought that anything so sophisticated even existed then! Hats off to the 17th century!

[KC]

Impressive!!!!!!

[mart]

You`re kidding ?? I would have thought the same as Ghopper !!

[ghopper1924]

You`re kidding ?? I would have thought the same as Ghopper !!

Great minds?

[mart]

LOL !!  Yes they do but in this case,,we would have screwed up big time !!

[jacon4]

Yeah, very cool lock. England was in a TOTALLY different situation in the 17th century than say America. The sun never set on the British Empire and all that!