4 Mid-1800s Brass relics

[umrgolf]

4 Mid-1800's Brass relics

Hi guys, I found all four of these items with the recent coin spill, either in the area or very close-by. I'd like to know exactly what they are. I can see that two are keys, but what type? The one appears to be a decorative brass anchor The one with the punched numbers "B25" looks like maybe the broken top of another key?

 

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[taz42o]

I just found one of these "barrel tap keys" in England that looks almost identical to this one. What exactly were they used for and why do they have the two holes in the flat section? Thanks!

Some barrel taps did not have a handle to open them but had to have a key to turn them open there were many different shapes. No real reason for the holes other than key chain maybe. Things were valued in those days booze included.
Here is a post that shows one with a key.

http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/t...lonial-barrel-spigot-dug-today-mebane-nc.html

A bunch of keys here...

http://www.ukdfd.co.uk/ukdfddata/showcat.php?cat=125

 

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[Erik in NJ]

Recently Unearthed Barrel Tap Key from England

Here's an almost identical barrel tap key that I just found in England....now I know what it is!