SKU: 72417267939

Locks and Keys throughout the Ages

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Description

Locks and Keys throughout the AgesLocks and Keys throughout the Ages is widely considered the best book ever written on the history of locks. It is illustrated throughout with photos from the extensive Lips Collection. It was written in 1957 by Vincent J. M. Eras, the director of one of the most respected and important lock manufacturing companies in the world at that time the Lips Safe and Lock Manufacturing Company (now part of the Assa Abloy Group, along with Yale, Chubb, and many

Locks and Keys throughout the Ages is widely considered the best book ever written on the history of locks. It is illustrated throughout with photos from the extensive Lips’ Collection. It was written in 1957 by Vincent J.M. Eras, the director of one of the most respected and important lock manufacturing companies in the world at that time - the Lips’ Safe and Lock Manufacturing Company (now part of the Assa Abloy Group, along with YaleChubb, and many others).

This is a high-quality hardcover reprint of the 1957 edition of the book, done by special arrangement with ASSA ABLOY. The typeface has been completely re-done and the photographs have been corrected using the latest digital correction technology. The quality of the photos is equal to and, in many cases, better than the original 1957 edition. 

The author was not only a master locksmith who developed several important patents but he was also an avid collector and was passionate about the history and development of locking mechanisms. His extensive knowledge of the field comes across on every page. In fact, Eras had been in the lock manufacturing business for 58 years before he wrote this book. In the preface he states:

“I consider it a gratifying task to place on record my experiences and through this book save them from oblivion. At the same time an excellent opportunity is presented to show the reader my collection of antique and modern locks – the tangible result of more than 50 years travelling, searching and study in many countries”.

In over 280 black-and-white photos and drawings Vincent Eras brings us on a grand tour of the development of locks from pre-historic to modern times and he also explains to us, in words and illustrations, how their mechanisms work.

Artisan Ideas is very glad to be able to make this exceptional book available to the public again.

Vincent Eras
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SKU: 72417267939

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judith stevens
Whiting, US
★★★★★ 1
Some of the components are plastic
This is not a heavy duty application what so ever . One of the flanges broke . We do not recommend this product
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Reviewed in the United States on July 5, 2024
K
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Kimberly matthews
Dallas, US
★★★★★ 2
Quality control lacking
One tee conector was missing. Nothing avaliable locally that fits.
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Reviewed in the United States on July 13, 2025
A
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Alexandra
Port Orchard, US
★★★★★ 1
It doesn’t stay in
The pipe keeps coming out. Not worth the money. Not sturdy to hold a top table.
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Reviewed in the United States on February 20, 2024
E
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Eric
Charlottesville, US
★★★★★ 2
Good finish, poor hardware.
Set screws are poor quality and are sometimes powdercoated on the exposed threads. Leads to striped hex sockets and inability to tighten properly. Durable finish as evidenced by no visible damage after throwing parts across the shop in frustration. Ended up running self tapping screws thru parts to complete assembly.
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Reviewed in the United States on February 26, 2024
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Carl L. Bradley
Lake Worth, US
★★★★★ 1
Kinda flimsy…
Thought the assembly was metal, it’s some kind of PVC.
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Reviewed in the United States on September 22, 2025

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