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The International Exhibition: Hobbs's bank lock and key, 1862. 'The bank lock...is of remarkable construction, and is deemed unapproachable; indeed, so confident are the exhibitors of its impregnability that a very large sum is offered to any one who can pick it, a period of thirty days being allowed for its examination...Perfect security is thus afforded by these locks to bankers and others who have wealth and important papers in their charge. Messrs. Hobbs and Co. have another claim to public notice from the value of their labours in machine-made locks. Their manufactory is most extensive, suites of locks being entirely prepared by machinery. The locks so produced are greatly superior to the old hand-made locks, and have the additional value of greater security combined with perfect cheapness'. From "Illustrated London News", 1862. The International Exhibition: Hobbs's bank lock and key, 1862. Creator: Unknown. (KEYSTONE/HERITAGE IMAGES/THE PRINT COLLECTOR)