A very rare set of 18th century lock-picks (skeleton keys)

Warded locks (locks requiring keys with specific cuts to open them) were relatively easy to pick using skeleton keys which by-passed the cuts – even a bent piece of wire would often suffice. To try to overcome this problem additional locks were often added to chests on the basis of ‘safety in numbers’. Sometimes as many as 5 locks would be employed. Though this slowed down the process of lock picking it was no real deterrent to a patient thief

In the constant battle between locksmith and thief, the next development was for locksmiths to produce locks which required a number of keys to be used to open them. This could be a little inconvenient to the rightful person wishing to open a chest or room, so locksmiths produced master keys, one key being able to open all the locks. These master keys are what today are called skeleton keys. In the ‘wrong hands’ skeleton keys were a god-send enabling thieves to by pass even the most complicated warded locks

This sale is for a collection of 12 skeleton keys dating to the 18th century which hang on an iron carrying pin with a bow and an elongated shank mounted on a 19th century section of pine taken from a salvaged cupboard door 

A very rare item. I have never before seen a collection of true lock picks dating to the 18th century, and have been unable to find any evidence of such a collection having been sold in any past auctions hosted by Auction Houses

Dimensions (lengths)

Key 1   19cms       Key 2  19cms        Key 3  18.5cms       Key 4  17cms      Key 5  16.5cms

Key 6   16.5cms    Key 7  16cms        Key 8  13cms          Key 9  14cms      Key 10  14.5cms

Key 11  12cms      Key 12  11cms

Hanging pin: 14cms

Dimensions of the pine backboard:

Width: 22cms

Height: 25.5cms

Depth: 25mm

The backboard is ready to be hung but the hanging pin and picks can easily be removed from the back board if so desired  

Delivery (just to mainland UK) will be via UPS, but personal collection from Buntingford (East Herts. SG9) is most welcome

Please see my other items which are predominantly 18th and 19th century in date