In my collection there is an antique prison key, made by (it is engraved on the bow of the key) "Charles Smith Sons & Co. Ltd. Birmingham".

When I acquired it, I tried to research the maker & managed to find only one very brief paragraph reference to them online, describing them as one of the best makers of prison locks of that era.

It is a large but stout & heavy key - it's proportions made me assume it could be a fantasy key when I first saw it amongst a bag of keys I inherited. I will post pictures of it when possible, as I would be interested to find out more about the locks (engraving says it is a master key) it operated.

Until then, I would be very interested in any information about Charles Smith, his company & his locks. Any information at all would be appreciated.

...mercury