The Locksmith Journal Nov/Dec 2018 - Issue 59 | Page 83

AUTOLOCKSMITHS • 83 Bilfix patent drawing of 1932 and adopted by Wilmot Breeden into vehicle locks. Bilfix track keys taken up by Wilmot Breeden for car locks. any spring loading but a spring pressed tumbler 27 of the form shown in Fig. 9 may be fitted for engagement by a sloping end of the key. The rotatable barrel 3 may effect the withdrawal of a locking plunger 4 for the shackle of a padlock, Fig. 1, or actuate a tumbler 38 and withdraw the bolt of a mortice lock, Fig.14. A guide rib 15 in the barrel 3 positions the key.” Another company from mainland Europe, the Dutch firm of Lips were quick to promote security locks for vehicles, emphasizing their patent anti-drill cylinder. A69 motor vehicle lock Introduced by H&TV in 1924, the lock continued when Yale took over the company when it became known as the M69. The main variations of the Automobile Association keys, and still treasured by motoring enthusiasts today even though the roadside boxes are long gone. The caption reads: “stolen an expensive car because she was not provided with a Lips’ car lock”. One lock which will be familiar to locksmiths today is the H&TV A69 lock, now known as the M69 and was used on Rolls Royce, Bentley and other limousines. The lock enjoyed a very long production run and even now is produced by Western Body Hardware (WBH). With the appearance of the motor car an organisation emerged in 1905 to look after the interests of the motorist, primarily to warn members of speed traps! – The AA or the Automobile Association. The first AA keys were of the cabinet type and fitted special boxes which were placed in hotel foyers. Interestingly enough the cabinets would include a mirror, comb, brush and a map. Patrols, on bicycles started a few years later. The first roadside boxes appeared about 1911 and were primarily shelters for the patrols. By 1926 ‘AA’ keys were issued to and treasured by the members. Today it’s amazing how many motorists still have an AA key on their key ring even though the roadside boxes have long since disappeared. The motor car now firmly established the locks and security started to be developed by emerging specialist companies such as Wilmot Breeden, although they did use cylinder plugs by Union. The locks, in the main, were quite basic with perhaps less than a hundred differs, everybody is familiar with the FS, FA, FP, FT series of keys. The post WWII years saw vehicle theft sore and add-on or upgrade locks such as gear stick locks, steering wheel locks locking wheel nuts and wheel-clamps were offered; even the fuel was targeted LOCKSMITHJOURNAL.CO.UK | NOV/DEC 2018 Sponsored by ABUS Lips upgrade locks for early vehicles with their anti-drill ball bearing inserts. An intriguing car shaped folding key which looks like a pin safe key at the working end but also with vertical slots in the face of the bit. So far this key remains a mystery so if readers can throw any insights on this one do get in touch. Adjustable gearstick/handbrake lock from the 1980’s effectively immobilising the vehicle. by syphoning sparking several aftermarket locking fuel cap brands. Some of these items required expert fitting providing an extra speciality for the locksmith. The after-market role of vehicle security and the locksmith has now developed into a specialist area within the industry with electric and electronic technologies, but still has mechanics at its core. Brian Morland, curator of the Heritage Collection of locks and keys, welcomes comments and corrections on historical aspects of locks and keys. Brian can be contacted by email: [email protected]