In The Pickwick Papers, Chapter 111, Charles Dickens wrote:

"Precious warm walking, isn't it? Said Lawton drawing a Bramah key from his pocket with a small plug therein to keep the dust out."

With this in mind, Bramah recently received two legacy Bramah Desk Locks from Barrington, Illinois, USA—both with keys stuck inside. After clearing customs in London, inspection revealed the issue: dirt inside the key had caused the malfunction. Once cleaned and repaired, the locks were ready for their return journey.

Whether your Bramah key is from 2025 or 1784, dirt in the key—particularly between the slots—is the most common reason for a service call. Regular maintenance will ensure years of reliable use. Simply clean between the key cuts using a business or credit card and remove dust from the key’s centre with a paperclip. For modern keys, free-issue dust caps are available for added protection.

For any lock-related concerns, Bramah’s expert support team is available to assist.