Collectors of Locks, Keys and allied interests may like to consider joining or subscribing to one or more of the following:
American Lock Collectors Association (ALCA) - Was founded in 1970. Its purpose is to educate, socially unite and discover new lock collectors. These goals are accomplished through a large newsletter, written by experts in the hobby. Also, by Association sponsored lock shows and a well organized and maintained Internet web site. This association is not exclusively for Lock or Padlock collectors but open to all forms of locking devices, keys and other related items. Their web site www.alca.us has been created to facilitate the exchange of information, assistance, and also a marketplace for locking devices keys and other related items to be sold, bought or traded. ALCA publishes its Journal of Lock Collecting six times per year (every odd numbered month). Cost is $18 (USA), $22 (Canada), otherwise $30 by airmail. Contact the Secretary, David Rankl, dlr41@aol.com for details. Contact address: 8576 Barbara Dr., Mentor, OH 44060. E-mail: General Information: admin@alca.us Webmaster: admin@alca.us If you want to join contact: David Rankl, 13115 Millersburg Rd, SW, Massillion, OH 44647.
West Coast Lock Collectors Association (WCLCA) founded in 1978. Contact www.wclca.net or the Secretary/Treasurer, Bob Heilmann at locksmann@earthlink.net WCLCA issues its Newsletter "The Antique Lock Collector" four times per year (January, April, July, and October); annual subscription cost is $17, USA; $18 Canada and $20 Worldwide.
The "LOCKS & KEYS" newsletter was published by Richard Phillips (rphillips52@toucansurf.com) between 1996 and 2008. Although new issues are no longer being produced Richard is very knowledgeable on British locks and remains happy to answer correspondence by e-mail from other collectors. In addition he has generously allowed TLCA to host a complete set of back copies of his newsletter in the members area of this site.
www.antique-locks.com provides a popular forum for collectors to discuss and learn about lock collecting. The site, originally set up by Paul Prescott, is now owned and administered by Brian Morland.
www.historyoflocks.com provides an online museum for collectors to view European high security locks and read about their history and development. The site owner, Brian Morland, describes himself as an "industrial archaeologist" and takes a very scientific approach to tracing the history and development of lock mechanisms. The growing online library is well worth investigating, and Brian is happy to enter into discussions on locks or literature with interested parties. A forum is provided at www.historyoflocks.co.uk.