Even though we know of locking systems dating back to ancient times, locksmithing, as a separate craft, came into being roughly between 1390 and 1408. Before this time, the work was done by blacksmiths. In rural settlements, even after locksmithing came into its own, the work might well be done by an above-average blacksmith.
In the 14th century, the lock was still fitted to the outside of the door, made of iron, and its mechanism was rather complicated. The locksmith decorated the lock cover and keyhole plates.
People even regarded their fancy locks as a status symbol, until the locksmiths amalgamated into guilds and their creativity began to be restricted by security regulations.
— With their great knowledge of delicate metal mechanisms, a locksmith's field of work was broad. Next to making actual locks, they were *often tasked with the making and repairing of tools, hinges and screws, riding gear, guns or clocks. They were versed in decoration too, as locks would often be adorned with heraldic, religious or mythological motifs, enhancing their symbolic value. A lock's main purpose was to look imposing, so important doors and furniture were even equipped with multiple locks, such as parish chests, in which a church's valuables, documents or alms were stored, and that were typically given three locks, with the keys held by the bishop, the local priest and a religious layman respectively.
A lock's actual usefulness, on the other hand, was often lacking. Of the many wards attached, only the last one would usually be needed to move the lockbolt, allowing for burglars to create skeleton keys: long, thin and blank keys with a broad bit at their end. The trick was to find one with a bit that matched the size and shape of the final ward, so thieves would usually carry a whole keyring of variety of different skeleton keys with them. Another common method for lockpicking was to use wax on a blank key to get the impression of the ward and make a proper key from it.
Only with the Industrial Revolution would locks truly advance. One lock considered to be "unbreakable" for over 60 years, the Bramah lock, was presented at London's 1851 Great Exhibition. The company was so convinced of its security that they offered a reward of 200 guineas (around 50,000 dollars today) to anyone who could pick it. The American locksmith Alfred Charles Hobbs looked at the construction for 16 days, before he tried his luck and succeeded. This incident known as "The Great Lock Controversy" did not only spark a re-thinking of security, it is also often considered one of the earliest examples of a bug bounty program.
