historyoflocks • 39
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HoL Artefact No. 263
Kromer Automat
Combination Lock
Body Serial No. 1947. Body
Size: 139 x 120 x 20mm,
steel. Dial Serial No. 814.
Size: 95mm diameter
x 71mm, cast brass.
Operating instructions
for this example
Firstly note the index mark is on the
dial, between the words ‘DBEHGRIFF’
and ‘AUTOMAT’ also note the upper
,
segment of the dial ring namely the digits
9.8.7.6.5.4.3.2.1.0.a.b.c. The combination
of this artifact is: 7.2.8.9.
Above: The lock
with the cap and
dial removed
Right: The
individual
components
Note that the index mark is on the
dial and the numerals are on the dial
ring, which is the opposite to most
combination locks. Also note the gap in
the dial rim, between the digits 4 and
3, where a pin or stiletto is inserted
to release the dial and handle
1. Turn the dial anticlockwise fully to the
left, beyond the first digit clearing the
combination pack.
2. Turn the dial clockwise to ‘0’
.
3. Turn the dial anticlockwise to ‘7’
.
4. Turn the dial clockwise to ‘a’
.
5. Turn the dial anticlockwise to ‘2’
.
6. Turn the dial clockwise to ‘b’
.
7. Turn the dial anticlockwise to ‘8’
.
8. Turn the dial clockwise to ‘c’
.
9. Turn the dial anticlockwise to ‘9’
.
10. Finally turn the dial clockwise past ‘c’
until it stops whereupon the keyway
to the main lock will be revealed.
If a mistake is made, as with most
combination locks, the dialling sequence
will have to be restarted from the
beginning. Turn the dial fully clockwise and
then anticlockwise, to reset the mechanism
and start the sequence again.
The underside of the dial showing
the clip retaining groove
An interesting anomaly with this lock
is that should the combination slides/
leaves be rearranged and the lock
reassembled, both the combination and
its operation would remain the same.
The lock mechanically detects which
lever to lift, due to each levers’ unique
form.
The dial handle, or knob, is attached in
a way which might not be obvious. Note
the tiny gaps in the outer edge of the dial
ring in the 6 and 12 o’clock positions,
which gives access to a sliding, double
sided horseshoe type clip. When an
instrument such as a stiletto is pushed
in from the top, it engages the spindle,
or disengages from the bottom. Once
disengaged, the ‘T’ handle, (with spindle
attached) is simply pulled to remove.
The underside of the dial ring
showing the retaining clip and the
entry points on the circumference,
through which the clip is pushed to
en