quarterlocks

Quarterlocks are a type of security mechanism commonly found on older safes and strongboxes. They are characterized by a mechanism that requires a key to be turned a specific quarter turn in addition to other operational movements. This quarter turn is a crucial part of engaging or disengaging the locking bolts. Unlike more modern combination locks, quarterlocks primarily rely on a physical key for their operation.

The design of a quarterlock typically involves a keyhole, a lock cylinder, and a series of internal tumblers or pins. When the correct key is inserted and turned, it aligns these tumblers, allowing the bolt mechanism to be moved. The "quarter turn" refers to the precise angle the key must be rotated for the lock to function. This might seem like a small detail, but it was an important security feature designed to prevent unauthorized access and manipulation.

Quarterlocks were prevalent in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, often employed in bank vaults, personal safes, and cash drawers. Their relatively simple yet effective design made them a popular choice for protecting valuables during that era. While they are largely superseded by more sophisticated locking systems today, antique safes equipped with quarterlocks can still be found and are often of historical interest or collectible value. The presence of a quarterlock on a safe is usually an indicator of its age and original construction.