Brass Skeleton Key found on mid 1800s site

[Foster]

Brass Skeleton Key found on mid 1800's site

This was found at a site dating from the mid 1800's. Not sure as to what once was there, due to there isn't a structure standing. Any ideas as to what this skeleton key might have opened?

 

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[ARC]

A lock.

:P

Just playin with ya... but on the serious side...
there would be no possible way anyone could definitively determine "what" it went to.

A wild shot from the hip ...
Door key... heavy duty one.
OR...
Security chest.

I say this due to its size and composition.

 

[Foster]

Thanks! I agree it was something high security due to the hollow shaft and iron pins coming out the end. Just need to find what it opens now!

A lock.

:P

Just playin with ya... but on the serious side...
there would be no possible way anyone could definitively determine "what" it went to.

A wild shot from the hip ...
Door key... heavy duty one.
OR...
Security chest.

I say this due to its size and composition.

 

[Anduril]

A lock.

:P

Just playin with ya... but on the serious side...
there would be no possible way anyone could definitively determine "what" it went to.

A wild shot from the hip ...
Door key... heavy duty one.
OR...
Security chest.

I say this due to its size and composition.

Just to add...
This is more likely a door key (not a padlock), just due to the size.
It's also much too plain to be Victorian - it looks more "utility" than that.
Since it has a flat non-ornate bow, a hollow stem with no shoulder below the shank, and an inline bit, I'm thinking it's early 1900's to maybe about 1940.
Could be a little earlier.

Not sure what the "186" text is for?
Maybe the prisoner cell number? (I suspect it is just for key control, though.)

 

[PerpetualBedrock]

Unrelated, I'm new to the site ,how the heck to I create a thread ?

 

[SkaBa]

Unrelated, I'm new to the site ,how the heck to I create a thread ?

Go to top of Forum 'What Is It', right hand side and tap Forum Tools. Will be first item on drop down menu.

And Welcome to TNet.

 

[relic lover]

Jail key

 

[Foster]

Jail key

Sorry just now replying back. Would a jail key be so high security and solid brass?

 

[A2coins]

That is sweet I know that many keys like that were sold as souveneers I live in Michigan and Greenfield Village sold keys like that as souveneers but yours looks to be genuine that is freakin awesome!!! Great find!!!!!!!!!! You could try to look at old maps to see what might have been near where you found it back in the 1800s !!!!!!!!

 

[relic lover]

Jail keys were usually more complex actually. Your key does remind me of a jail key for some reason I can't quite put my finger on. Definitely heavy duty and for something important.

 

[Bruce R]

Barrel key, not a skeleton key. Door locks generally used solid keys for strength, cabinets chests padlocks etc leaned toward hollow keys, but this is not written in stone either.

 

[NOLA_Ken]

Barrel key, not a skeleton key. Door locks generally used solid keys for strength, cabinets chests padlocks etc leaned toward hollow keys, but this is not written in stone either.

The reason almost all door keys are solid is that those types of locks were made to be opened from both sides of the door and there is nowhere for a center pin to be in the lock mechanism. I've found old pocket door keys that were hollow and matching locks that had the center pin, they were made that way for security so the door could only be unlocked from one side. I've never found a mortise or rim lock with that set up though.

While it's possible this is a jail cell key I think it's more likely for a safe or small vault type door. Possibly a crypt key as well but all of those I've seen were more ornate.

 

[Bruce R]

Key to someone's heart ?

 

[hvacker]

I'm with Bruce R about not being a skeleton key. Those would trip the lock from the bottom. I remember Ben Franklin 5&dime sold a pair for like 25 cents.
As a kid I had to have a set.
Your key would be harder to pick it's lock. Maybe jail key is right. They are made of brass because steel would wear the lock more.

Cool find.

 

[Foster]

Thanks for all the replies! Just to give a little history of the land. It is family pasture land in rural Mississippi. The only coins that I have found at the same site date 1847 large cent and 1855 seated Liberty. No structure at all but broken bricks every where. Old broken pieces of plates, bottles, stoneware, etc. Large area in which relics have been found. Civil War era camp site relics also. (Brigade was stationed near late war per the OR's). Hoping the key goes to a chest they left behind!

 

[Foster]

Ok, may have narrowed it down to a safe lever key. Need to find the safe to make sure. Lol