Help with history of Sidebar Locks

[n2oah]

I'm already knee-deep in my report on the history of locks, and I need some help with sidebar locks. I have a couple of questions regarding their history. Can someone explain to me how the original Briggs&Stratton sidebar lock worked? I have never seen one of these locks, so I can't explain it. Also, did the B&S sidebar lock inspire locks like the ASSA Twin and the Schlage Primus ? What was the first sidebar lock resembling something today? The earliest modern sidebar lock I could find was the ASSA Twin. How did the sidebar lock evolve into what we see toda? Any help is appreciated.

[maxxed]

The B&S locks used in the early GM's were a wafer lock. The wafers have a notch in the side that the placement of determines the depth of the cut on the key. When all of the notches are lined up with the back of the sidebar, the sidebar will retract allowing the plug to turn. Go to an auto wrecker and remove a door lock from a 70's or 80's GM, and see for yourself.
I don't know any real history of the development of the sidebar lock, maybe a patent search can help.

[raimundo]

The first sidebar lock was probaly one of those scandinavian antiques that were the inspiration for the abloy classic. the Classic has been around 100 years. Briggs and Stratton GM locks date from 1935 or so.