General Society Member John M. Mossman (1846-1912) Began his career in the safe and lock business at the age of 12, in the shop of his father Malcolm. He eventually began his own business in 1878, designing burglar and fireproof bank vaults and safes. He became an eminent authority in the field, with clients including J.P. Morgan and Company, Bank of America and The Metropolitan Life Insurance Company. Throughout his lifetime, he acquired a vast collection of nearly 400 ingenious, historical and rare locks from around the world, that he presented to the society in 1903, with an endowment for their maintenance and exhibition. The extent of the Mossman Collection has described in depth by the 1928 General Society monograph The Lure of the Lock, available for purchase from The Society, as well as the beautiful illustrated American Genius by members John and David Erroll.

The John M. Mossman Lock Collection represents one of the most complete anthologies of bank and vault locks in the world, with more than 370 locks, keys, and tools dating from 4000 BC to the modern 20th-century. Many of the examples are unique, made-to-order locks that were not produced in commercial quantities and nearly every lock has protected millions in money and securities.

To augment the lock collection. Mr. Mossman donated his notes and scrapbooks, known as the Mossman papers, which have proven to be a valuable resource for the study of locks. “The Lure of the Lock” was published in 1928 and describes each lock in the collection.

To order “The Lure of the Lock” or a photo CD of the lock collection please email karin.taylor@generalsociety.org

Admission to The General Society’s Mossman Lock Museum, which houses the Collection, is a suggested $10 per person.

The Lock Museum is open Monday to Friday from 1pm to 6pm by appointment only, please email ktaylor@generalsociety.org to make an advance appointment.