Mortise locks and Mortise Cylinder were known long before the birth of Christ. They are mentioned frequently in the Old Testament and in mythology. In the Book of Nehemiah, chapter 3, it is stated that when repairing the old gates of the City of Jerusalem - probably in 445 B.C. - they "set up the doors thereof, and the mortise cylinder thereof, and the bars thereof." At this time, mortise cylinder were made of wood. They were large and crude in design; yet their principle of operation was the forerunner of the modern pin-tumbler mortise cylinder of today.

The installation of mortise locks typically requires carving of rectangular holes within the edge of the door. The hole will house the main body lock which will then secured inside the available space with screws. The other part of the mortise lock is the box keep or strike plate which is secured over the door jamb and where should the locks be fitted into place to successfully lock the door. Today's mortise locks use a lever mechanism instead of the old keyed cylinder locks. Another important part of the mortise cylinder is the accessory trim lock comprising a plate with knobs, levers, or pulls. Because of the tough and complex mechanism and construction of mortise locks, they remain to be highly efficient and durable thus makes an excellent door security.

As locksmiths and metal workers became proficient in their craft, they were invited to make mortise cylinder and keys for the Royal Courts and for the churches and cathedrals of Europe. They excelled in elaborate and high and highly detailed ornamentation - often adapted to the religious theme.know more:click here