What Is a Cipher Lock?

A combination lock is a type of lock that uses a series of numbers or symbols when it is opened. Text combination locks can be divided into: mechanical combination locks, digital combination locks, and so on.

Qing Dynasty poetry code lock

Idiom code lock

The Qing Dynasty poetry code lock is small and exquisite, only five centimeters long, but it has both the functions of a lock and a password, which is quite delicate. Although it is a poem code lock, it is simply an "idiom lock". The lock has four swivel rings with Chinese characters engraved on it. Just like the current password disk, it is placed on the lock and the swivel ring is rotated in turn. There are only specific combinations. In order to let the lock nose pass, and then rotate it again, even if the person who does not know the password has the key, he cannot open the copper lock, which is very magical.

The text on the lock swivel is not uncommon, and the author tried to turn it a bit. After many debuggings, I finally knew that the unlock code for this lock was "life insurance".

The types of ancient Chinese locks can be roughly divided into two types: reed structure locks and word combination locks. The reed structure lock can be divided into four types: wide lock, Citi lock, torture lock and jewelry lock. Most of them are horizontal locks, which are used for doors, cabinets and boxes. In terms of text combination locks, there are not only poetry password locks, but also idiom password locks, day-to-day branch password locks, and name and business password locks. What they all have in common is that they are fixed on the lock with several swivel rings engraved with Chinese characters. Only when the swivel swivel turns into a hidden multi-character saying or verse can the lock nose pass and it can be opened. If there is a concealed sentence, it is "Hemeizhu Guiding", "Shuanghui Shouxi", "Golden Mansion" and so on.

The lock's craftsmanship and shape are also exquisitely shown in the words Kai, Cao, Xing, Li, Li, and the calligraphy is full of charm; the small planes on both ends are decorated with lion heads, tiger faces, Buddha statues, Fushou and gourd And so on, so that ordinary locks are integrated into artistic cells, which is full of beauty. ^[1]