Sunday, February 4, 2018

We used to make things in this country. # 286: Dominion Lock Company, Montreal, Quebec



Dominion Lock was formed by Sam, Alfred and Ruth Zion in the 1920's.  It closed it doors in February 1985, putting 250 people out of work.  Unican Security Systems Ltd. of Montreal and the Simpson Hardware Company of San Leandro, California fought a court battle to buy what remained of the firm.

1985

20 comments:

mjh1963 said...

I have similar key acquired by my late father when completing his National Service with the RAF or RCAF in Canada in about 1948-51.
I have amways wondered whether it may have been the ignition key for the aeroplanes he trained in,which I believe would have been the deHavilland Tiger Moth,the Hawker,and the Spitfire.
If anyone has information I would be very interested,thank you.
I can send photographs of the key if requested.

Mister G said...

Sure send a picture, I'll add it to the post. I'm not sure airplanes have keys though?

Unknown said...

Got an orange dominion lock co key cutter great condition not sure if they make these anymore

Anonymous said...

I found a key that a family member had on them when they died and would love help identifying what it could be used for. Could I send a photo?

Mister G said...

Those keys are awful common and pretty much unidentifull but sure, send to gerald@vanwyngaarden.ca and I'll post it!

Anonymous said...

I sent you the images of the keys- thank you

Unknown said...

Just found 1 my self in an old envelope

Mister G said...

I wonder what it fits?

Anonymous said...

I'm a metal detectorist in British Columbia, I recently dug one of these up from a second world war rcaf dump, it's cool to see that the rcaf definitely used these.

Anonymous said...

I have a working Dominion door lock (still attached) but no key. I was wondering what happened to the company. I remember the keys from my childhood. Will probably order a Yale lock from England as a replacement which seems to have the same screw hole pattern. Can't seem to find an alternative anywhere else. A shame really.

Unknown said...

Just obtained a near mint Dominion Lock Company Keys Cut 2 sided sign. It is very nice and has a unique shape.

Mister G said...

Lovely! Could you send a jpeg? I'll add it to the post! gerald@vanwyngaarden.ca

Unknown said...

Hi! I am also a metal detectorist in the Netherlands. Today I found half a key from DL. Very curious now where it could came from.

Mr Thompson said...

Found a key branded DL Australia while metal detecting in Sydney, NSW.
There are a couple of companies called Dominion Lock Aust Pty Ltd registered in Australia.

Mister G said...

Interesting, the companies must be related!

Mr Thompson said...


This link explains the connection between DL AUSTRALIA and Dominion Lock. Trademark owner is Kaba Ilco Inc of Canada. Kaba Ilco must have acquired the company or its trademark at some stage.
One of the joys of metal detecting is researching the finds. I've contacted Kaba Ilco to see what their connection to DL is. I'll let you know if your interested and am happy to provide a picture of the key for your blog if you'd like. Cheers

https://www.trademarkelite.com/australia/trademark/trademark-detail/400853/DOMINION-LOCK

Anonymous said...

I found a key when my dad passed away, it's small markings like a k towards the top and numbers on it how do I find out where it goes?

Anonymous said...

Here you can see a beautiful Key Cutting Machine made by Dominion Lock: https://youtu.be/mqu_VD-yMsY
Enjoy!

Lewis M Beadle, FMLA said...

I had an ironmonger & locksmith business in Abingdon U.K. I always used DL blanks as they were great quality and very accurately made.

Anonymous said...

I have one of these keys and the lock on my door!