The first-ever locksmith faculty – Lockmasters – was founded in 1955, as well as the commerce group of The Associated Locksmiths of America. World War I – Because most locksmiths and lock producers devoted their abilities to the war effort during this time period, very little changed within the design of locks. Middle Ages – Although locks and keys had been round earlier than the Middle Ages, locksmithing did not become an individually acknowledged specialty till this time period. The term “locksmith” is definitely a derivation of the word “blacksmith.” During the Middle Ages, blacksmiths were the artisans who created metal battle gear for the knights and their horses. Those blacksmiths who branched out into specializing in the making of locks and keys came to be generally known as locksmiths.