Charles Locksmith 185 East 80th Street 212-879-2740 Established 1964
NOW
On East 80th street lies a long, narrow shop lettered with dangling keys, old telephones, and antique doorknobs. The owner of the shop, Mr. Charlie, was born in Iraq and raised in Israel, before moving to New York as a young man. He fell into locksmithing by accident — or perhaps by fate. While visiting friends on Long Island, he helped one of them jimmy open their truck door in a matter of minutes. And thus, a locksmith was born.
Mr. Charlie speaks six languages: Arabic, Hebrew, English, Turkish, Farsi, and “a little bit” of Filipino. His incredible linguistic ability has helped him communicate and connect with clients, who in turn, show their devotion by adding personal gifts to his antique collection. Some have gifted Iraqi pots and synagogue decorations; a Lebanese client added a wooden comb of the same kind his mother would use. Mr. Charlie speaks of his work with the love and pride of an expert: “I’ve been in business a long time and never had a problem. I love to serve, to help people.” Charles Locksmith is a gem of old New York, steeped in history from the antiques on the shelves to the man behind the counter.
THEN
19th century 3-story rowhouses are predominant on the north side of East 80th Street, between Lexington and Third Avenues. #185 was built around the same time as its neighbors, but is distinct in that it is a 4-story tenement house, built right at the street line with ground floor storefronts. It has no architect of record, just the builder, S. Gayton. The earliest reference of a shop at the building is from 1896, when a tailor advertised at this address. Charles Locksmith, established in 1964, has been located here since at least 1999.
