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On the Construction of Locks and Keys by John Chubb
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36 CONSTRUCTION OF LOCKS AND KEYS.
the interior of a lock, it had not been proved to have been successful with one of Chubb's locks; and, indeed, he must repeat, that it was evident it could not be so, unless the lift of the tumblers was identical with the position of the bellies, when in a state of rest, which was not the case; and if the bellies of the tumblers were flush, an impression of them was still more useless.
The thanks of the Institution were most justly due to Mr. Chubb, for bringing before the members so interesting a subject, which he had treated in so able a manner.
Mr. CHUBB said, witli respect to the locks which had been stated to have been picked, he could assure the Members that they had never been issued from his manufactory, although they were very probably marked with his name. Many spurious imitations of the first expired patent, marked " Chubb's Patent," had been sold in large quantities, until the makers were stopped by legal process, when it was ruled, both at law and equity, that, although after the expiration of a patent, any person might manufacture the article, he had no right to pirate a peculiar trade mark, or to use a distinctive stamp, which was irrespective of any patent right.
Since he had been connected with the Institution, he had derived so much pleasure, instruction, and profit from it, that he felt it equally a pleasure and a duty to communicate the paper which had been so fortunate as to receive the approbation of the Members.
In closing the discussion he might be permitted, as the result of his practical experience, to state that, as Mr. Stephenson had ably expressed it, the main features of a good lock were security, simplicity, and strength ; if these were wanting, however ingenious an invention might be, it was for all practical purposes worthless.
A manufacturer should never, through fear of competition, reduce the quality of either the materials, or the workmanship of his locks; but should study to produce the best of whatever kind he manufactured.
Masters should treat their workmen as men ought to be treated, and if a high character of work was required, good wages must be paid ; for if the workmen saw that a master cared for them, and took an interest in their welfare, they would have an equal pride with himself in the character of the manufacture, and would strive faithfully to maintain his reputation, by the utmost exertion of that skill and ingenuity, for which the British handicraftsmen were so justly celebrated.
LONDON : Printed by "WILLIAM CLOWES and SONS, Stamford Street.
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On the Construction of Locks and Keys by John Chubb