ever see a skelton key like this before?

[john845]

I found this today near some railroad tracks by my house. I have found a lot of skelton keys around here but never any like this one. The way that the blade is attached is strange usually they are centered. Any thoughts?

 

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[thebmasur]

Goes to an old padlock I'm pretty sure. Most likely a lock used for locking the rail cars together

 

[Tony in SC]

For the padlock on a rail switch.

 

[Mudflap]

For the padlock on a rail switch.

Yep. Probably a switch lock key.

 

[john845]

ok thanks for the ID

 

[tnt-hunter]

Definitely a switch lock key. The top usually has the railroad on one side and a registration number on the back. Like this one from the B & O Railroad.

 

[boogeyman]

For the padlock on a rail switch.

Yes mostly used on switches. Every once in awhile they were used on inspectors shacks etc. I've seen them used on the sleepers on a wreck train that used to be stored in the North end of the yard in Vegas when it was still there. Check to see if it has a number on the bow, that's your clue to how the wards were cut. Now all ya gotta do is get out there & find the lock!