Untitled

Southland Times, Issue 1717, 21 March 1873, Page 2

The American Seal Lock. — Thia is a new lock in which the keyhole is covered by a seal which is a small square piece of glass, held in position by grooves in which it slides. The " seal " covers the hole through which alone the spring catch is accessible, and this cannot be released until the Beal is broken. The " seal " itself is a piece of common window glass, marked on the back with a letter and number and also with varioni irregular dots and splashes, in a sort of chocolate color. The lettering and numbering are conducted on the same principle as on the Bank of England notes, so that no duplicate of a seal will ever be made ; and the dots and splashes are accidental in shape and position, being sprinkled on at hap-hazard. Before the seals are cut the entire sheet is photographed, and the printed photograph is perforated like a sheet of postage-stamps. The purchaser of the seuls is supplied also with photographic facsimiles, so that he can send one of these to any person whose business it may be to verify the security of a package.