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Never seen a mappins patent with only 4 guards. Odd. It's chicken and egg, I find that the key will not want to go in until it's already cut as...

This came from a safe previously used in a quarry to store explosive, mainly or solely black powder. I received from a retiring...

Presumably light weight, but more difficult to recycle than metal. Not good for the future.

Perhaps 'rare' needs revising in view of the numbers of items previously thought to be rare now appearing, because it is easy to see a worldwide...

Tann locl

I was unaware that copies of that lock have been made, but then again it is so unique in its design I am not surprised it was copied. Sure wish I...

Makes me think it is a Tann lock that has possibly been rekeyed by Milners, or on a Milners stamped blank

some beautiful and skilful engineering

I should have known you would have some answers. Many thanks for taking the time. Some information is better than none. Again, Thank you

Edinburgh museum lock showing exhibition cap in situ. All these pictures come courtesy of the museum.

Edinburgh museum lock detector plate

Edinburgh museum lock keys

Hiya Doug, yes done a few over the years. Methods probably same as yours- smaller ones by hand, middle sized and nested keys with end mills, and the...

The more I've thought of this wylk you're better off just making one. All it needs is a stub of Ø1/2" steel bar with a step turned down to suit...

Wow Huw you made all those beauties. So How were you making the cuts? I have hand filed several but now have been using end mills.

Wylk ,how about using a small fly-cutter. I recall the Sherline's are small- i think very similar to the Peatol, so best holding the padlock...

I meant to add that the railway networks and ocean liners were two such applications where sturdier examples of cash boxes and safes were often...

In my back garden Paul ! Took the photo about 5 years ago when we had our annual day of sunshine here in Wales! i still have all the keys, the steel...

Where were those keys Huw ? In particular the large old type key ?

Lovely box that is Stephane, it might simply be a makers 'improved quality' version- lots of the manufacturers from those days made a range of...

Unfortunately you omitted the very picture we needed to see- showing the levers and inside of your lock. I've seen them fitted on the slightly...

Pretty sure we had a brochure on these going back, quite colourful illustrations iirc. Unfortunately most 'general' stuff like that went out long...

The following images show the 83/45 body and its (lopsided) binocular-shaped receptacle, a KIK adapter kit, and a typical KIK cylinder. (my...

Huw, Thanks for the suggestions. I used to have a big mill and big lathe, but now am reduced to a Sherline mill and lathe. I'm not sure they'd...

I meant to add that I'd definitely refrain from drilling it out, whether you go the milling machine or lathe route. Even a real quality precision...

Are these the binocular shaped KIK as I'm more familiar with the re-keyable Euro stuff cut for half euro cylinders, all of which is metric. I recall...

Haven't heard of them but some adventurous Turkish googling found the company are still going but only make steel bar and coiled wire products now....

I've also made a few and have to admit the larger diameters make easier work of cutting the slots than the smaller sizes. I did a couple of cabinet...

Nice key. larger keys like that are are somewhat easier to cut than smaller ones by hand, once you've made the blanks of course .. By equipment I...