Hobbs and Chubb Again

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The London correspondent) of the U. S. Gazette says:— "Thedirectorsof a well known insurance office in Moorgate street, had assembled at their rooms last week to hold a n important meeting. When the books and papers of the company were called for, the secretary could, not find the key of the large vault where they were kept After an unsuccessful search, Mr. Chubb, the maker of the large iron door and lock was sent for, and was asked if he had a key that would open the lock. He replied in the negative. He was then asked if he could pick the locli. He again replied in the negative, and rather indignantly withal, at the insinuation that his celebrated locks could be picked! The directors asked what was to be done? Mr. Chubb answered that the only method by which the books and papers could be procured was to cut the door down. The directors would not consent to such a proposition, and Mr. Chubb left the premises. A messenger was dispatched to Cheapside for the American, Hobbs, who sent one of his workmen, with instructions to take an impression in Wax of the keyhole of the lock. The man departed, and in a few minutes returned with the impression. Mr. Hobbs then selected a few simple instruments, and accompanied his workman to the insurance office. After operating on Chubb's lock ten minutes only, the bolt was turned, the door was opened, and all the books and papers were placed before the Board of Directors, and to their utter astonishment!"

Scientific American Magazine Vol 8 Issue 6This article was published with the title “Hobbs and Chubb Again” in Scientific American Magazine Vol. 8 No. 6 (), p. 48
doi:10.1038/scientificamerican10231852-48a

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