The Portland daily press., 1869-04-17

A PROVISIONAL LocK-PICKER.-There has
been, within few days, quite sensation
among our bank officers and others, in regard
to the character of the locks used on the vari-
GUS bank vaults in this city. The lock used,
without exception, by our various national and
savings banks, and by some others, is known
as the "Isham leek," manufactured at New
Britain, Conn. There is quite rivalry among
the various lock manufacturers in the country.
and as the Isham lock is very popular, and for
safety takes the lead quite generally, the plan
seems to have been to break it down, BY going
through it, and thereby running its reputation.
A celebrated locksmith, Joseph Corbstt BY
name, gave out some months ago, that he could
pick the Isham lock, if he could have fair
chance He was invited by some of our bank
men Interested in knowing how securely their
treasures were kept) to come to Portland, and
set his genius to work in entering bank vault.
After considerable skirmishing as to the con-
ditions under which he should work, Corbett
finally put in an appearance. The one tum-
bier look of the Second National being the
most recent, with new door, was selected for
the essay of this ingenious worker. Represen-
banks were present, as well as brokers and 9TH
ers. Joseph began on the face Of the lock at
3.45 P. M. on Tuesday, and taxed hts ingenuity
for six mortal hours, and left off as he began.
He arrived at no correct combination, and
made no impression. Thus far Isham had dis
tanced his rival, and Corbett was nowhere.
His next essay was on the lock of the First
National. This had been on longer and was
not the most recent make He set his ''pick-
ers" at work on Fast Day, with the same gem
tlemen and others present, He stated that he
| only picked the new kind, which this was not,
but he would come in sixty days and 20
through it. He insisted he could pick the Sec
end National, but didn't do it.
| Lots were drawn as to who should lock the
First National vault, and the paying teller was
selected. He looked up and Corbett put him
self to harness again. Hesbegan to work at
half past eleven and worked till five, rsserving
one half an hour. He then gave it up, but said
| if he could have two hours more he could open
the door. The gentlemen present considered
that he had had time enough. mo burglar
could well get more than six hours work in
| one mighty He said the lock was smaller than
| uo lutSuueu w WV1h vi, uut ZIG dgoub 5dlu NC
| was not correct as to the size. Corbett said he
had instruments (net here) with which he
could go through it. He said he had made
sure of the letters on three of the wheels, but
was not confident of the other two. Compar-
ing it with the key it was proved he was not
| right in single instance. He insisted he had
done it in other places, and could again. The
jury, after his persistent efforts for hours, de-
cided that he had done nothing.
| After this determined effort of this accom-
plished locksmith, with all the conveniences of
light and time, and with no apprehensions
such as haunt the professional burglar during
his perilous forays it is evident that our bank
vaults are secured by lock which is the refine
ment of skill. tits subject of eongratulation
that this trial has been had, and that the locks
on which much depends in our several banks,
are SO amply impregnahle, that with the time
| and tools at command OF subtle master of the
| art, they can no more be trifled with, or their
vaults entered, than Though battalion of sol
diers. armed with the Spencer rifle, stood
| guard over them night and day.