Linus Yale Jr. Autographs, Memorabilia & Collectibles
LINUS YALE JR.
Born: April 04, 1821 in Salisbury, New York
Died: December 25, 1868 in New York City, New York
Born in Salisbury, New York on April 4, 1821, Linus Yale Jr. was an American mechanical engineer and manufacturer whose significant contributions to lock design and manufacturing made him a seminal figure in the development of modern security.
Yale was the son of Linus Yale Sr., an inventor and locksmith who first introduced him to the lock industry. Inheriting his father's creative genius and fascination with locks, Yale devoted himself to enhancing and perfecting lock mechanisms. He made his most significant contributions in the development and improvement of the pin tumbler lock, a mechanism widely used today in various forms around the world. In 1844, he founded the Yale Lock Manufacturing Company in Newport, New York. The company initially produced bank locks and similar high-security items. However, it was Yale's invention of the pin tumbler cylinder lock in 1861 that truly revolutionized the industry. This lock design, known as the Yale lock, incorporated a small, flat key with serrated edges that, when inserted, moved a series of pins inside the lock to allow it to open. It was highly secure and relatively inexpensive to produce, leading to its widespread adoption.
Yale's expertise extended beyond locks. He also patented a combination lock and developed sophisticated bank locks. His high-security bank lock, which integrated both a dial and a key, became a standard in the industry.
In 1868, Yale partnered with Henry Robinson Towne to form the Yale & Towne Manufacturing Company in Stamford, Connecticut. The company soon became one of the leading lock manufacturers in the world, largely due to Yale's innovative designs and the efficient manufacturing processes introduced by Towne.
Yale was the son of Linus Yale Sr., an inventor and locksmith who first introduced him to the lock industry. Inheriting his father's creative genius and fascination with locks, Yale devoted himself to enhancing and perfecting lock mechanisms. He made his most significant contributions in the development and improvement of the pin tumbler lock, a mechanism widely used today in various forms around the world. In 1844, he founded the Yale Lock Manufacturing Company in Newport, New York. The company initially produced bank locks and similar high-security items. However, it was Yale's invention of the pin tumbler cylinder lock in 1861 that truly revolutionized the industry. This lock design, known as the Yale lock, incorporated a small, flat key with serrated edges that, when inserted, moved a series of pins inside the lock to allow it to open. It was highly secure and relatively inexpensive to produce, leading to its widespread adoption.
Yale's expertise extended beyond locks. He also patented a combination lock and developed sophisticated bank locks. His high-security bank lock, which integrated both a dial and a key, became a standard in the industry.
In 1868, Yale partnered with Henry Robinson Towne to form the Yale & Towne Manufacturing Company in Stamford, Connecticut. The company soon became one of the leading lock manufacturers in the world, largely due to Yale's innovative designs and the efficient manufacturing processes introduced by Towne.
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LINUS YALE JR. - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED - HFSID 350452The famous lock inventory writes a letter to his wife, complete with printed drawings of some of his locks. Autograph Letter signed: "Linus," (and "Linus Yale Jr." on verso) 1¼ p, 3½ x 8. Johnson's Hotel, 1856 January 9.Sale Price $1,895.00
$2,250.00
