Interesting lock

[vidium]

What do you think, how this lock works?

LINK

[MacGyver101]

That's quite interesting: I've not seen that style of lock before.

To take a complete guess at how it works... I would assume that the four outside cylinders (the ones with the numbers) mesh with the central cylinder, in order to prevent it from rotating until you turn each of the "numbered" cylinders to its correct number. There's not a lot of room for a full pinstack in all ten positions on the four "numbered" cylinders -- so they likely work off some sort of simple, wafer-like locking principle. None of the keyways appear to have any warding, so it would appear to take flat keys (and offer a fair amount of room for manipulation).

That's just a complete guess: I'd also be really curious to hear from anyone with experience with this lock... including it's typical use. It looks like it's intended as a lock-out device for multiple key-holders?

[greyman]

Agreed - a very interesting lock! The name sounds vaguely French, they love the word "sezam" although it's often spelled "sesame". Could be a form of multiple control lock where several people have to insert their keys and turn to a number. Or it could be that just the central one has to be operated first then the others turned to their numbers.

[MacGyver101]

The name sounds vaguely French, they love the word "sezam" although it's often spelled "sesame".

"Sesame" is "sezam" in several Slavic languages: I'd guess that lock is Eastern European in origin?

[furnaps]

I dont Know how it works, But it looks like it would be usefull for something were Each employee would have a key and the Manager would have the main key for some sort of vault. Although This is a very Undedicated guess and I really dont know anything about locks yet/

[FFVison]

Interesting looking lock. I also think it's kind of interesting that the word written on the lock is SEZAM... or mazes spelled backwards. Just thought it was an interesting contrast in types of puzzles (mazes and locks). Could just be a coincidence, but I think it's cool nonetheless.

[vidium]

"Sesame" is "sezam" in several Slavic languages: I'd guess that lock is Eastern European in origin?

Thats Polish. And from what I found out, this lock is no longer available. But there is a slight chance I can get one.

[MacGyver101]

Thats Polish. And from what I found out, this lock is no longer available. But there is a slight chance I can get one.

Could you give us any more information on what you know about the lock? (e.g., where the picture came from, how you determined that it was Polish, where it might have been used, etc.)

[vidium]

Could you give us any more information on what you know about the lock?

I found it on Polish auction site. In description there was its front door lock, common used in last century.

how you determined that it was Polish

I speak Polish, but it also can be Czech.

[greyman]

[...]
I found it on Polish auction site. In description there was its front door lock, common used in last century.
[...]

With respect, that is hard to believe It is unlikely that a 5 keyway function would be required on a front door, unless it was the front door of a safe deposit box! On the other hand, if the outer keyways are mini "clickers" (like Fichet), then you could be right about it being used last century.

All the same, thanks for posting a picture of this interesting lock

[vidium]

Another photo. By the way, wheres the edit function?

[Squelchtone]

Interesting note:

the work lock in Polish is "zamek" which is also the exact same work for castle (as in "a King's castle")


pronounced Za (as in Zack) mek (mech as in mechanical)


Wesolych Swiat!

Squelchtone

ps. and I didnt find anything about this lock.. but I do have a theory, its either a secondary combiation which when dialed proper allows the center plug to rotate freely, or, it allows for changing of the pin differs when a 'control key is inserted and turned, like a Kwikset Smartkey'

either way, very crafty design.. glad it was made by some smart Polish people =)