Traveling within the World
Linking your favorite traveling artists across the globe
Skeleton Keys and Antique Locks
Locks are designed as a bolt-action mechanism requiring precise conditions to unlock. The conditions are usually met by a key or code being inserted into the lock. Locks have changed drastically throughout history. They have ranged from skeleton key padlocks all the way to computerized password coded locks used today.
China is given credit for the origin of locks because ancient Chinese locks have been found throughout the region. Egypt holds the other most ancient lock known. It is thought to have been in use over 4,000 years ago.
In 18th century Europe, the lock was simplified into a bolt-and-spring pressure system. This type of lock had a fairly intricate, but easily manipulated, unlocking system. A skeleton key would pass through several chambers before the item would unlock. The lock could easily be picked by using a blank key and sending it through the chambers.
Jeremiah Chubb was the most successful and popular locksmith in his time. He created the “detector lock” which prohibited anyone from tampering with it. If an attempt to pick the lock or use the wrong key in the lock occurred, the lock would become inoperable until the owner used a special regulating key to reconfigure it. His invention grew to be popular not only for personal locks, but also for use in bank safes and on other high-theft articles, such as museum artifacts.
Chubb’s indestructible lock system was defeated by a professional lock picker, Alfred Charles Hobbs. He learned how locks worked and then easily manipulated them. His method of picking locks was known as “tickling” the lock.
Throughout the centuries, different locking mechanisms have been developed. Older locks were created so all levers within the mechanism would move to one side when a key was inserted. Once this was realized, lock pickers could easily manipulate a lock and break into whatever it was they were after. A newer version was created to avoid this easy manipulation. Keys have unique designs on each side of them which make different levers within the lock move in opposite directions.
Views: 19
Events
-
2014 is the Chinese Year of the Horse
February 17, 2026 at 12am to February 5, 2027 at 12am – where & how you choose
Birthdays
Important (read & understand)
Skype: Travelingraggyman
Email and Instant Messenger:
TravelerinBDFSM @ aol/aim; hotmail; identi.ca; live & yahoo
OR
Travelingraggyman @ gmail and icq ***
OUR MOST RECENT AWARD
1AWARD UPDATES & INFORMATION
10,000 votes - Platinum Award
5,000 votes - Gold Award
2,500 votes - Silver Award
1,000 votes - Bronze Award
300 votes - Pewter Award
100 votes - Copper Award
Member of the Associated Posting System {APS}
This allows members on various sites to share information between sites and by providing a by line with the original source it credits the author with the creation.
Legal Disclaimer
***************We here at Traveling within the World are not responsible for anything posted by individual members. While the actions of one member do not reflect the intentions of the entire social network or the Network Creator, we do ask that you use good judgment when posting. If something is considered to be inappropriate it will be removed
Site Meter
This site is strictly an artist operational fan publication, no copyright infringement intended
Patchwork Merchant Mercenaries had its humble beginnings as an idea of a few artisans and craftsmen who enjoy performing with live steel fighting. As well as a patchwork quilt tent canvas. Most had prior military experience hence the name.
Patchwork Merchant Mercenaries.
Vendertainers that brought many things to a show and are know for helping out where ever they can.
As well as being a place where the older hand made items could be found made by them and enjoyed by all.
We expanded over the years to become well known at what we do. Now we represent over 100 artisans and craftsman that are well known in their venues and some just starting out. Some of their works have been premiered in TV, stage and movies on a regular basis.
Specializing in Medieval, Goth , Stage Film, BDFSM and Practitioner.
Patchwork Merchant Mercenaries a Dept of, Ask For IT was started by artists and former military veterans, and sword fighters, representing over 100 artisans, one who made his living traveling from fair to festival vending medieval wares. The majority of his customers are re-enactors, SCAdians and the like, looking to build their kit with period clothing, feast gear, adornments, etc.
Likewise, it is typical for these history-lovers to peruse the tent (aka mobile store front) and, upon finding something that pleases the eye, ask "Is this period?"
A deceitful query!! This is not a yes or no question. One must have a damn good understanding of European history (at least) from the fall of Rome to the mid-1600's to properly answer. Taking into account, also, the culture in which the querent is dressed is vitally important. You see, though it may be well within medieval period, it would be strange to see a Viking wearing a Caftan...or is it?
After a festival's time of answering weighty questions such as these, I'd sleep like a log! Only a mad man could possibly remember the place and time for each piece of kitchen ware, weaponry, cloth, and chain within a span of 1,000 years!! Surely there must be an easier way, a place where he could post all this knowledge...
Traveling Within The World is meant to be such a place. A place for all of these artists to keep in touch and directly interact with their fellow geeks and re-enactment hobbyists, their clientele.
© 2024 Created by Rev. Allen M. Drago ~ Traveler.
Powered by
