New Member

[Scott Klemm]

Hi everyone! I am a new member, although I have been a collector of locks and keys for many years. I am a retired history teacher and very interested in the history of locks along with their inventors and companies. I am also the author of Ancient Locks: The Evolutionary Development of the Lock and Key. (This is a limited edition printing of only 250 copies.) Send me a note if you wish more information.

[Doug MacQueen]

Welcome to the forum Scott. There are several unanswered questions here on the forum you may be able to help with, especially on the pre 1800's locks and keys. In your studies, have you been able to determine the methods that were used in making keys and locks from the the different time periods? I recently found that, in addition to sand casting, lost wax casting goes way back. Have you seen evidence of either type of casting used or do you think blacksmith forging was the only method? On some of the fancy bowed keys from the 1600 and 1700's it is hard to believe they were done with hammers and chisels. Although after seeing the outstanding work done by contemporary blacksmiths such as Kevin Moreau and Tom Latane, I am just not sure. I posted one of Kevin's keys in the Collector section. Also, at what period does your book end? Doug

[Scott Klemm]

Thank you Doug for your warm welcome. At this point I don't think I can help you very much concerning how the old keys were fabricated. I just assumed most were forged. It's not an area I have researched.
My book covers Egypt, Greece, Rome, ancient Israel, and China. There is also a chapter on ancient restraints. So, in answer to your question, it primarily focuses on the ancient world, although the line separating ancient from early medieval is not as clear as some would think.
One thing that makes my book unique, is that I have taken issue with the established opinion that the Egyptians invented the pin tumbler lock. All the other books say this, but my research (over many years) indicates otherwise. My book is footnoted and has a large bibliography.
Scott

[Dean Nickel]

Welcome aboard Scott! Wonderful to have you!

I did a quick search for you book but couldn't find it. Was it self published? Do you still have the publishing rights? Is there an ebook? (I would love to get a copy!)

[Scott Klemm]

Thanks Dean for your welcome. Yes, it was self published with a very small printing. But, I still have copies available. The cost is $26.00. It has 51 pages, and is well illustrated with many in color. I've been told I have an easy-to-read writing style. Try Goodreads.com along with my book title. You should find a short review there.

[Dean Nickel]

The site can't find any to give a price on. Will PM you.

[Brian Denyer]

Finding out about the evolution of past designs helps us to understand present locksmithing techniques. Scott Klemm's book is a self-published review of ancient keys and their locking systems. It is a specialized subject area..with very few publications to turn to for basic knowledge.

Assembled between these covers of Scott's publication is a wealth of information, facts, pictures and illustrations covering the ancient civilizations efforts to safeguard their valuables. From a scholary point of view this is a well researched book. It delves into areas that other authors don't. The time taken to reseach, write and illustrate the locksmithing concepts shown in the book amounts to hundreds of hours. The bibliography has original sources I haven't seen before.

My specialty is restoration locksmithing and the quality of background material contained in Scott's book filled in some missing pieces of knowledge I require to restore some of the locks and keys I now work on, and will in the future.

I have to recommend this volume both as reference material and as necessary background for modern locksmiths to understand the origins of their vocation. It is surprising a Publishing House hasn't printed Scott's book for distribution in their chain
of outlets?

Perhaps every Locksmith Association should obtain a copy for their reference Library?
The reason for stating this is because I have also been gathering information on Ancient locksmithing systems over the past several decades. Material I have is boiled down into short magazine articles for a national locksmith publication. Unfortunately the mass of data hasn't been placed in a book format. Scott has done this service for other Lock & Key enthusiasts with his book. Although Scott has a different method of presenting the information then I do, it is still valid and insightful for our community. Diversity brings us a wide horizon of viewpoints and Scott's publication will be treasured far into the next generations of Locksmiths and researchers.

So if you wish to save time and legwork then obtain a copy of his book.

Brian .................................................. ..............

Brian ................................................