A Brief History of the Locksmith Profession

26 Nov 2020 Samantha Munoz

While it may not seem like being a locksmith is a traditional occupation that has several thousand years of history to it, it is actually one of the oldest professions. As long as locks have existed so have locksmiths, even as much as 4000 years ago. Here is a brief look at some important historical times where being a locksmith was an important occupation.

• Ancient Egypt: Up to 4000 years ago there were instances of incredibly large wooden locks and keys that operate under the same principles of modern locks. The wooden key would push pins out of the way, allowing the lock to open up.
• Ancient Rome: During ancient roman times wealthy Roman people would wear the keys on their fingers as rings. While it kept their key in their possession safely it also acted as a status symbol, telling everyone around them that they could afford a lock.
• Metal Locks: In the 9th century metal locks began appearing in Europe and all the way to China. As blacksmithing became larger and larger so did locksmithing, because they had the tools necessary to make more and more metal locks.
• The Renaissance: As time went on and locks entered the Renaissance, they became more and more complicated. Locks were not a simple appliance, and now a means to express oneself and commissioning locks that had things such as family crests or other symbols on them.
• Industrial Revolution: With the industrial revolution came a massive growth in industry, and with it increased locksmithing. Locks became even cheaper or more common and would only continue to grow as we reach out modern day.

While it may not seem it, locksmithing has a huge and vast history. As long as people wanted to keep their stuff safe, locks existed, and with that a locksmith who makes those locks.