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We had a very interseting talk by Mr J Stone, well illustrated by mounted displays of every imaginable key.
He began by explaining that he was a cokkector who started by accident but who now has over 8½ thousand keys of all shapes and sizes. Keys range over many types and useages, from jewel boxes to doors.
Keys play a large part in signs throughout history with many coats-of-arms depicting them. locally Exeter College is a good example. vrossed keys are a symbol of St Peter being given the keys to heaven.
The first locks known were 4000 years old and wetre used in North Africa. They were made of wood and were very large being operated with a very big pin style key.
The style if key has changed over the centuries. Norman keys, for example, had hook style handle not the more common bow type that we are used to seeing. Today there is the card key, electronic locks needing electronic opening devices as well as more familiar combination locks which do not need an inserted device for opening.
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