WASI COMMANDER BEST - Very Odd Padlock

by **GateTwelve** » 10 Jun 2005 11:56

Alright, I came across a new lock recently. It is a padlock which says "WASI COMMANDER BEST" on the front. Picking it isn't a problem, but I can't find info on it anywhere. Although it's very shiny and new looking, it's mere construction makes it appear quite old. It's driving me crazy because I can't find info for it anywhere.

There are a couple square brass fixtures on the front of the lock. The largest, and topmost fixture labeled "S" in the top left corner and "A" in the bottom right corner. The other brass fixture has the keyway carved through it. However, when you try to open the lock by using the lower keyway, it will not open. There is a small "hidden" button near the bottom of the lock (to the left of the "false" keyway). When it is pushed, the spring loaded top brass fixture shoots up, and reveals the real keyway, the key has to be rotated a couple times to retract the clasp holding the shackle. The shackle is completely hinged.

I will post a picture later today when I steal my friends digital camera, but until then: has anybody ever heard of this little guy? It's very odd to say the least, and pretty well embodies the "security through obscurity" philosophy.

by **Chrispy** » 10 Jun 2005 16:38

Hmmmm.... pictures will be interesting to see. Please include pics of false keyway, lock when closed and real keyway hidden, keyway button, lock closed and real keyway showing and lock open looking into shackle hole. Look forward to seeing them as I have never seen or heard of this lock.

by **GateTwelve** » 10 Jun 2005 17:02

I got around to that digital camera. Sorry about them being so large, I wanted you all to be able to see the details of this lock.

Here you can see the false keyway here. You can also take notice of the button to the left.

Once the button is pressed, the real keyway is opened up from under the slide. That's not rust, it's the ghosting from the camera.

See what I mean about looking old just because of it's construction? On this picture you can see the hinge for the shackle.

So, anyone familiar with these beasts? When they were popular?

by **Chrispy** » 10 Jun 2005 17:31

That's a pretty cool padlock... I want one. :lol:

by **master in training** » 10 Jun 2005 17:41

yeah, i'd love one of those, even if just for novelty and winding people up with it! :lol:

it really is a nice looking lock! where did you get it? anyone found out a website or anything? i googled it but no joy...

by **rayman452** » 10 Jun 2005 17:45

That is freaking nice, I wish I had. Try one of those antique sites and see what they say.

by **Chucklz** » 10 Jun 2005 18:05

This lock is sold as a mind puzzle. Ie the object is to find the true key hole. Just search puzzle catalogs etc.

by **GateTwelve** » 10 Jun 2005 18:16

Chucklz wrote:This lock is sold as a mind puzzle. Ie the object is to find the true key hole. Just search puzzle catalogs etc.

But it is a working lock, with a uniquely cut key. Not only do you have to find the correct keyway, but you also must have the correct key. So I don't know if I would agree that it is merely a puzzle.

My great uncle died recently and we were all going through possessions. I was the only one who had an interest in this lock.

by **master in training** » 10 Jun 2005 18:29

it certainly is a great lock. i found this site just now while i was looking around google for something, it has some nice locks

http://www.padlock.s-a-w.net/lockidx.htm

by **master in training** » 10 Jun 2005 18:50

there you go....one link people http://www.puzzlemaster.ca/zoom.php?id=111&PHPSESSID=5bba456263c3ddf6a5cd3c3a7b8426d3, now to buy one.... :lol:

by **vector40** » 10 Jun 2005 19:18

How many levers is that? Three?

by **GateTwelve** » 10 Jun 2005 21:14

*public apology ensues*

Sorry, Chucklz :oops:

. You were right. Due to the working condition of the lock, I thought this was an actual security device - albeit old. I was thinking it was just employing a bit of, like I said, obscurity through obscurity.

I was kind of hoping that this was a legitimate lock. It was a very neat specimen. Oh well. Into the storage box it goes.

by **Shrub** » 11 Jun 2005 4:52

It does follow the princibles of the old locks ive seen but is a lot smaller and a lot shinyier than the ones ive seen which led me to think it was a newly made item,

Great lock though, im sure thats somthing that will fly on the dreded ebay if you was to ever sell it.

by **Shrub** » 11 Jun 2005 4:58

As an associated but totally off topic note,

I love those chinese puzzle boxes, the ones where you have to slide differant bits of veneer or blocks before the box will open,

Now im after making one for the enjoyment, ive looked and looked but cant find any drawings, the bought ones i can get hold of are only 2-5 movement ones whereas i want one of the multi movement ones (10-30 moves to open it), the bigger multi ones are big money as well over here,

Its the making of one i really want to do, so have any of you ever come across any drawings? ive searched the net to the best of my ability (not much) but get no joy,

by **David_Parker** » 11 Jun 2005 19:23

I actually have one of those locks, I'll get around to posting a picture soon.

-Dave.

WASI COMMANDER BEST - Very Odd Padlock

WASI COMMANDER BEST - Very Odd Padlock

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