The Antique Locks/COLTi Forum - Industrial Archeology of locks.

Information and Guidelines about our world The Antique-Locks forum.

A forum for new members to introduce themselves, ask for help in using the board and offer suggestions to Site Supporters, Moderators and Admin.

There is something about a key that is undeniably irresistible. Many collectors are both fanatical and passionate for specimens and information. This is the forum for you…

Perhaps one of the earliest forms of a locking device. Post in this category all maner of Padlocks including: Combination, Fakes Fraud & Fantasy padlocks, Key Operation, Railroad, Seal, Story Padlocks, etc.

Post in this forum locks that demonstrate a Patent, or a Security Feature or even a Brand Name or Logo. You will find here Locks for: Doors, Furniture, Safes, Vaults, including: Combination Locks for Safes, Key Locks for Safes, Time Locks & Bolt Motors, Unit Locks, etc.

The lockmaking scene changed late in the 18th century when the Industrial Revolution got under way and locking principles started to be explored. This forum therefore is for the many and varied interesting locks before 1778 where the fixed ward or spring barbs were the means of security.

This appealing category is for single skin locking boxes and might include items like: Chests, Deed Boxes, Dispatch Boxes, Money Boxes, Toy Banks, etc., and made from a range of materials including, brass, cast iron, iron, steel, wood, plastic, porcelain, etc.

Huw Eastwood | The first double skin safes began to appear towards the end of the Georgian period. Tann, founded in 1795, claims to be the oldest safe maker. Post and explore here all antique/vintage double skin safes, Strongrooms & Vaults.

Pictures of Safe Plates, Escutcheons and other non lock hardware can be posted here.

Post here your ‘Antique-Lock’ questions and topics that don’t fit in one of the above forums or if you are unsure where to post. (Admin’s & Moderators may move)

Our Mission, Our Artefacts, Our Library - for referance and discusion.

For Reference and Comment... It’s estimated there are over 5,000 artefacts in our care and date from Roman 2nd Century keys to the Post WWII experiments with high security mechanisms. We present here selections from The Heritage Collection for your interest and comment.

Browse our Library: Company history, Product information, Data sheets, Operating instructions for vintage/antique (pre WWII) security products- For Reference, Research and Discussion.

Join in the Discusions: A place to explore the artefacts and documents in the collection. Ask questions, answer questions, speculate and reason...

A forum where we publish manufacturers, importers and distributors Press Releases informing the community about their latest lock & security news and innovations.

Ask COLTi - Community of Locksmith Technical Information. Get help and advice on current/modern locking and security issues from members of our community.

Documents uploaded by Members from their own collections - For Reference, Research and Discussion.

British Patent Specifications on locks and security devices - For Reference, Research and Discussion.

German Patent Specifications on locks and security devices - For Reference, Research and Discussion.

US Patent Specifications on locks and security devices - For Reference, Research and Discussion.

Press Releases, House Magazines and Publicity material from Yesteryear.

Post here your letters, documents, flyers, catalogues etc. that are in a language other than English for members to assist in translation.

Bibliography - on Locks & keys, or books containing substantial or useful information.

Your market place - on topic items only please.