Godrej - 19th Century Indian Manufactured Money/Cash Box/Safe - Open And Make Key

 Godrej were a 19th century Indian manufacturer of money boxes, safes and cash boxes who closed down in the early 20th century.

A few months ago, a customer contacted us to get their money box opened and have a key made.

We made sure to take some pics of this very old box and how we made the key.

After combing through multiple key blank provider sources and trying to find even something close, our misfortune to find an appropriate key blank made us decide to modify another key blank that was suited to another product.

This particular box, we sourced back to about 1908. It appears to be in surprisingly great condition for it's age.

You can see the key blank we decided to use to modify.

This money box used a coin slot/note slot on the reverse side
of the key operated lock. The slot has a welded on flap inside that is designed to prevent removing coins or notes from the locked box.

 Some of the tools, we locksmith craftsmen choose to use when impressioning keys to locks include a selection of files.


In this case we used a 4" warding file as our primary file of choice for this project.

The impression system of key fitting is a long time treasured skill, unique to the craft/trade of locksmithery. There are many books written over the years that teach the skill to new players, but practise makes perfect. After all, "Repetition Is The Mother Of Learning", according to popular theory.

One of our most popular posts in this blog is "How To Open And Make Keys To Antique Furniture Locks" and explains the method to impression keys to old fashioned 'skeleton key' type locks without damage.

You can see in this pic, we were required to drastically modify our selected blank and hand file the key. We were required to reduce the guage of the key to enable it to enter the keyway, because we could not find a suitable blank.

The finished key works beautifully in the lock, maintains it's originality (and antique value) and can only be withdrawn from the lock when the door is closed and locked.

Not a difficult project for an experienced locksmith, but rewarding nonetheless.

There are many talented locksmiths around this country and the world who still practise the art of impressioning today.

The skill is unique to the locksmith trade and one that can save customers money and heartache when needing service to their antique lock, safe or furniture product.

History Of Locks - Sargent & Greenleaf

Sargent & Greenleaf are arguably the second most well known lock industry brand. Right behind Yale. Their history dates back to 1857, when young James Sargent, an engineer with Yale & Greenleaf, decided to branch out on his own with his invention, a magnetic dial combination lock.

Halbert Greenleaf was the partner and financier (known today as Venture Capitalist) of Linus Yale Jr. Yes, the same Linus Yale Jr credited with the invention of the modern day pin tumbler lock cylinder system, which was awarded it's patent in 1865. Their joint company was called originally Yale & Greenleaf. Halbert Greenleaf ended his partnership with Linus Yale Jr. at the outset of the American Civil War to become an officer in the Union army. After completing his service, Halbert sought out his former employee James Sargent and decided to finance his company, creating what we know today as Sargent & Greenleaf.

The above 7 minute video gives a brief history of the evolution of the company from it's roots.

It is interesting to see in the video, some of the products that Sargent & Greenleaf produced, many of which are still in operation today in the field. Products like the reversible panic exit device, door security bolts, entrance door hardware, push/pull plates among others.

Below find a 15 minute industrial video from the 1950's that shows the production of Sargent & Greenleaf products.

United States Secret Service Warns Of ATM "Jackpotting" Scam

Breaking News: Secret Service Warns Of ATM "Jackpotting" Scam...

The United States secret service warned yesterday that American banks need to be on high alert to ATM "jackpotting", a scam that has proliferated throughout Europe and Mexico, the last few years.



Essentially, "jackpotting" is known as a method that thieves use to contravene an ATM's security by opening the cabinet, putting in a laptop with a certain "skimming" program connected to the port and closing the machine. Then a "dove" comes by to operate the ATM, calls the first thief who activates the code remotely to allow the machine to empty it's cash dispenser, sometimes up to 23 notes per second.

The thieves often work in pairs, often dressed up like electronic repairmen, with sign written uniforms and vehicles, easily conning staff at ATM locations to let them in.

A large issue stems from the manufacturers of the ATM cabinets that are apparently using a uniform standard key lock on all cabinets. All locks are keyed alike, allowing for many different people to have access to the key and the locks.

About 25 years ago, I worked for a large metropolitan security patrol company that were contracted by banks to refill empty ATM's. The security control center monitoring station would send three (3) patrol cars to every ATM refill request. Each ATM was housed in a solid cabinet and controlled with two (2) separate mechanical dial combination locks, that also had lockable dials. One patrol officer would have the dial lock keys, one patrol officer would be given the combination to lock A and the other patrol officer would be given the combination to lock B.

The security was taken very seriously and using multiple people provided multiple required credentials and physical presence to complete the ATM refilling task.

These days, I see it often where a lone technician is often called to perform an ATM service at a bank or a convenience store or a bar etc. I think that it is especially important to have multiple people in attendance for security reasons, especially where hard currency is involved.

Often, locksmiths and safe technicians would maintain contracts with financial institutions to regularly attend the ATM site and change the dial combinations regularly, to prevent unauthorised knowledge of combinations to be reused over and over.

Perhaps a new opportunity for would be locksmiths and safe technicians exists to set up maintenance contracts with financial institutions to regularly alter the combination locks on ATM machines.

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Smart Safes - Not So Smart

An article recently appeared in Wired magazine, an online resource with articles about new generation wired and wireless electronic products.

"Smart" products is the collective name, usually used in marketing, for the new era of computer controlled products. Everything like, cellphones to coffeemakers, cars to safes, there is a "Smart" product around just about every corner and near you (and me) right now, I'll bet.

The video above highlights an issue with a particular brand of safe, commonly found in hotels and other establishments around the world.

The ever increasing number of hackers who attempt (and often succeed) to discover non-destructive bypass and entry techniques for all manner of products, have once again used a products exposed access ports to develop and market the fault, as explained.

With the likelihood of more and more products of this ilk, making their way to market, hackers will have plenty of opportunities to determine their next target product. We just hope that people will do their due diligence when researching and educating themselves about products aimed at their security protection and storage of their personal documents and items.

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Hosse & Hosse - A Brief History Of keys

Keys have been in use since nearly 4,000 years ago, according to clay tablets that depict keys used in the Babylonian Empire. The first of these keys looked nothing like the historic keys we might imagine today. Some, in fact, may have been as long as an arm and quite heavy. No way you’d have a keychain filled with these keys.

Similar keys were used in Ancient Greece, most likely to lock temples and other structures of significance. They keys were so large that women carried them over their shoulders. You can view one of these at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston—the key that once locked and unlocked the Temple for Artemis Hemera in Arcadia.

The Beginning of Modern Keys

Where we begin to see the stirrings of modern keys was Rome. The Romans took the technology developed by the Greeks and refined it for more common use. Of course, only those with belongings to protect were concerned with locking their doors. The keys of this time resemble the skeleton keys we think of when “historic keys” some to mind, but they weren’t quite as advanced.

A Step Up in Technology

During the 6th century, European keys took another leap forward. Lever tumblers within locks were created, so keys could be even more specialized. One look at these keys, and you can see exactly how they may have preceded our modern keys. These keys also featured more decorative accents, which often featured crosses or the shape of a bishop’s miter.

Fast-Forward…Way Forward

Lock technology didn’t advance much for hundreds of years. The advancements that were made mostly occurred in England, most notably the double-tumbler lock invented by Robert Barron in 1778. Then in the 1860s, Linus Yale, Jr. of Massachusetts brought us right into the future with his cylinder lock. From that point on, lock technology grew by leaps and bounds.

While we still use some variation of the models produced by Linus Yale, Jr., we also have some technology the Ancient Greeks and Babylonians might have considered supernatural. Current transponder keys make it possible to enter and exit a vehicle without even touching the key.

And, believe it or not, Hosse & Hosse can help you with historic locks and transponder keys. The lock mechanisms from Ancient Greece are no longer in use, so we can’t help you there. However, if you’d like to repair a lock or produce a duplicate key for your home built in the 1800s, we can. We can also reproduce the transponder keys for your cars and keycards for digital commercial locks if you lose them.

That’s one of the most fascinating things about being Nashville’s locksmith and security hardware provider for 150 years. We’ve seen it all, and we can still do it all, too.

Hosse & Hosse Safe & Lock have been proudly serving Nashville Tennessee for 150+ years, providing the region with locksmith and safe sales and services, architectural hardware, entry systems and good old fashioned customer service.

Hosse & Hosse are the oldest continually operating locksmith company in Tennessee and the 7th oldest business in Nashville Tennessee. Located in 918 Woodland Street, Nashville TN 37206, they continue to serve residents, businesses and institutions with premium quality lock products and services.

(article reprinted with permission)

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SOPL Expo May 1-3, 2015 - Indianapolis

The Society Of Professional Locksmiths proudly introduce the inaugural SOPL Expo, to be held in Indianapolis Indiana, May 1-3 2015.

Daring to be different, the SOPL is a modern era locksmith association that believes in training as one of the core influences in the future of the locksmith industry.

The increasing technical challenges and shifts in business accumen, affect all our decisions regarding the locksmith business. 

Now, the opportunity to participate in a new breed of association, presents us with the challenge to learn about new and alternative products, learn new business practises, marketing skills and business opportunities..

Some of the classes on offer include...

Internet SEO & The Scammer Killer Kit

Stop With The Deadbolts Already!

Emerging Access Control & Integration

Wireless Automation Controls

Commercial Door Installation, Service and Exit Hardware

Servicing Meroni Decorative Hardware

Door Jamb Mortising for Reinforcement

Advanced Master Keying

Advanced Automotive Transponder Programming

Safe Manipulation Boot Camp

Whereas the courses will be open to bonafide locksmiths, the exhibits and trade show will be open to the public.

Interact with locksmiths, teachers, industry players, facilities managers and more.

Check out all the details in the source below.

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Couchvault - A Gun Safe With A Difference

The patent pending Couchbunker system manufactured by a leading Texan based manufacturer Heracles Manufacturing Corporation is a sensational and aesthetically pleasing modern alternative to gun safes.

Essentially it is a high quality safe/vault built into a couch/sofa base.

The difference between a regular gun safe and this sensational new product is the expertly designed and protected seat cushions that are especially designed to be used as personal shielding, in the event of nefarious attack.

The safe is expertly packed into a couch, the size of half a queen sized bed. It is 78" long, x 29.5" wide x 14" deep. It is lined with a 2 hour firewall protecting the contents from fire. The use of 2 high security key operated locks that are keyed alike offer significant pick resistance and key duplication resistant key control.

The perfect addition to the hunting lodge or school or office environment, this appealing sofa/couch is expressly designed to offer aesthetic pleasing decor combined with a state of the art gun safe that can house up to 30 rifles and other valuables requiring protection.

Visit the company website in the source below, for pricing details and ordering and watch the embedded video of the cushions resisting a .44 magnum gun attack at close range.

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Molson Beer Fridge - Canadian Security At It's Finest

The Molson Brewing Company, a well known Canadian brewer, recently released a novel advertising campaign across Europe to showcase their brand of beverage.

The reason we include it here is because they have designed a fridge that will only open with a Canadian passport.


An interesting and novel approach to securing your most prized collection of Canadian lager.

(video after the jump)

Canon Security Products - Radio Vault

Canon Security Products recently introduced their new Radio Vault, which is a smart looking clock radio speaker system that includes an iPod/iPhone dock, enabling a high quality speaker sound system combined with a hidden biometric vault drawer.

Features

• $349.99 in Black
• Biometric Fingerprint Scanner
• Hidden Drawer for securing your valuables
• High Contrast LCD
• Easy to use Keypad
• Visual display of date
• FM Radio with Presets
• Dual Alarms
• Superior Sound Quality
• Time Sync
• WORKS WITH MOST MP3 DEVICES

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IQ - Intelligent Key Management Alternative

The IQ Key management system is a robust and superior key control and access management system similar to the Traka product that is used widely by many automobile dealerships and hospitals.

Simple to configure and competitively priced to Assa-Abloys product, the IQ system offers an alternative that concerned security management controllers should look into to compare possibilities.

The video (after the jump) shows how simple the system is to use. It includes options for proximity card access and/or PIN access control.

Safes Of A Different Era - Superb Craftsmanship

Wow!

S&G 2740 GSA Approved Electro-Mechanical Wireless Safe Combination Dial Lock

The Sargent & Greenleaf 2740 GSA approved electro-mechanical wireless dial combination safe lock has been around a little over a year now and is making significant ground on competitors versions.

S&G have been one of, if not,the prominent safe lock manufacturer for the past century. When manufacturers select their choice of locking system for safes, S&G is usually the industry standard that most other companies attempt to duplicate.

Yes there are alternatives, some of which are more competitively priced, but the quality of S&G components is widely known, the world over, for it's simplicity in design, ease of use and persistent quality.

There are many safes available today that use keypad combination locks. While I can understand the desire for some people to consider a digital keypad, more user friendly, you are attempting to secure your documents, cash, jewellery etc arent you? For that reason primarily, wouldnt you prefer that operating your safe be slightly more difficult than just punching a number?

The S&G principle shown in the above video modernizes the original procedure that most S&G combination safe locks have used over the years.

The Gun Debate Rages On and On and On...

The debate that is raging across the country today regarding gun ownership and availability, appears to be causing significant stir and spin across the political divide. Whether or not you agree or disagree with opinions being raised is pointless while the constitution allows for almost any citizen to "bear arms".

While the politicians continue to bicker over principles, mostly in reaction to recent deplorable events in schools, perhaps a better approach might be to require (with suitable legislation) all gun owners to own a suitably manufactured security safe, especially designed to comply with deliberately specified standards.

Back in November 2008 we posted an article here about safes and some regulations according to the state of California.

I came across an excellent video on Youtube that gives a really great explanation about gun safes It runs about a half an hour and is well worth watching, especially if you own firearms. See the video below.

Whether or not you personally choose to enter into the gun debate, realize that changing the USA constitution will be a monumental task that i suggest will be difficult at best.

My opinion (or just about any opinion) is irrelevant while the constitution protects the "right to bear arms".

I personally think that governments across the country should implement rigid legislation requiring gun owners to own a gun safe

Clopen - Hidden Safe In Your Bookshelf

The Clopen is a unique idea thought of and designed by Japanese architecture firm Torafu Architects.

This product looks like any conventional floating shelf. It is made from an aluminum frame that sports a thin piece of veneer to give it the "wood" look. It is locked using two magnets, one at each end. You are provided with two magnetic keys that need to be used simultaneously to release the catches.

A simple, yet elegant idea that combines aesthetic beauty with functionality.

It is attached to a wall with aluminum crossbars that are mounted securely. The shelf then attaches to the crossbars making what looks like a bracket-less shelf.

Securing your extra cash or documents will be a cinch with this intelligent product.

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