The Master Key of the Janitor

1903

An Ingenious Invention That Is Open Sesame to All Offices

The loss of a master key by a janitor in a large downtown office building the other day, while occasioning considerable unrest to its former custodian and the tenants of the building, nevertheless performed a useful service by acquainting many persons with the existence of this product of the locksmith's cunning.

The master key is an ingenious invention which is the open sesame often to hundreds of offices each with its own peculiar lock, says the New York Post. Its possession by an unscrupulous person might give him an introduction to the secrets or possessions of every office in the building.

In the present case every lock in the building is being changed, and a correspondingly large number of new keys noticed. The work of fitting out a large building with keys and locks sometimes takes over a month before its successful completion, for locks, in particular, have sensitive natures, and, are often put out of condition by petty disturbances.

The task of manufacturing a master key or pass key is a delicate undertaking, and often is accomplished only after a number of composite wax impressions have been made. The first part of the key to be inserted has no effect on the lock, but simply forces an entrance. The various cuts in the edge then feel their way until one responds to some gateway in the interior of the lock.

It is easy to see how many combinations can be devised by a system of delicate cuttings on the key and of slight changes in the tightening or turning of the lock.