LSS+ Electronic Infobase Edition Version 5.

sliding-pieces and the series of curtains. The bolt is made in

two pieces, the main-bolt never being in contact with the key,
which acts only on the talon-bolt, and by it transmits the motion
to the main-bolt.

After the action of locking, the talon-bolt is partly repelled,

and a lever or 'dog' connected with it locks into a series of
combinations arranged upon the front parts of the tumblers, and
holds them securely down, so that none of them can be lifted in
the least degree until the talon-bolt is thrown forward to
release them. If, therefore, any pressure be applied to this
talon, to endeavor by its help to ascertain the combinations of
the tumblers, it will only the more tightly lock them down, and
render the attempt ineffectual.

By another contrivance, it is rendered impracticable to move a

pick or picks round in the lock more than a small distance,
unless the tumblers could previously be all lifted to their right
positions, which can only be done by the right key. Should one
or more of the tumblers be surrepitiously raised by any possible
means, they cannot be detained in this uplifted position, for the
action of turning back the pick to try to raise another tumbler
sets in motion a lever which allows the tumblers already raised
to drop to their former position, leaving the operator just as
far from the attainment of his object as at the outset."

From the foregoing description of Mr. Chubb's modern locks, it

would appear that he places great reliance upon the security
against picking when the barrel and curtain combined forms part
of the construction of a lock; but it must always be borne in
mind that wherever the key can go, there also can a picking
instrument. We attach the same amount of importance to the
adoption of the barrel and curtain combined as we do to the use
of the various kinds of detectors; and we recommend all future
inventors of locks to aim at constructing them in such a manner
that they may be perfectly secure without the aid of such
questionable friends.

An objection has been made by some against the use of those lever
locks, the keys of which are stepped, and the lowest of which
steps usually moves the bolt. They say that by grinding or
rubbing off a portion of the step in question, whilst the
proprietor's back is turned only for a few moments, a dishonest
employee may open his master's safe or other depository and
commit a robbery, and the employer not know in what manner the
robbery has been effected, for no marks of violence are necessary
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(c) 1999-2004 Marc Weber Tobias