Folding key

[HAPPYCAMPER]

Found at homesite dating to beginging of 1900s through 1930 possibly,just curious as to what it might have been used for

 

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[BosnMate]

Never seen one before, but it sure is interesting. Just when you think you've seen everything, something else comes along.

 

[duggap]

These were listed as "antique folding keys"

 

[lookindown]

First time Ive seen one of those...hope someone knows what they were used for.

 

[HAPPYCAMPER]

These were listed as "antique folding keys"

Quite similar,on such a small key what purpose would folding serve,it doesnt fold flat so really wouldnt take up less room in someones pocket,and if was a straight shot to keyhole would think a solid key easier to use rather than one thats jointed.

 

[NOLA_Ken]

They are for pocket doors. They fold so you can leave the key in when you slide the door into the wall. Cool find!

Edit: I was goint to post a pic of a keyhole plate I dug for a pocket door a while back, but my camera battery is dead. I'll put it up later maybe

 

[HAPPYCAMPER]

They are for pocket doors. They fold so you can leave the key in when you slide the door into the wall. Cool find!

Edit: I was goint to post a pic of a keyhole plate I dug for a pocket door a while back, but my camera battery is dead. I'll put it up later maybe

Very interesting,makes sense now,thank you.

 

[Hendo0601]

My old house in PA had pocket doors that were still in place, and in the wall there was a bit of a bigger recess cut where the lock plate sat...and now I know why! It's to provide clearance for the folding key! Wow that is super cool...Learn something new every single day on TNet!

 

[NOLA_Ken]

Here's the pic I mentioned earlier :


(sorry about my ugly chair) Anyway, you can see how it's recessed to allow the key to stay in the lock and clear the door frame. I searched all over town looking for a set of these for a resto job, and then a week later dug this one at an old house site. I think this one dates to around 1900.

 

[HAPPYCAMPER]

Here's the pic I mentioned earlier :
View attachment 1051648

(sorry about my ugly chair) Anyway, you can see how it's recessed to allow the key to stay in the lock and clear the door frame. I searched all over town looking for a set of these for a resto job, and then a week later dug this one at an old house site. I think this one dates to around 1900.

Nice,and imagine the old ones not easy to come by,can only think of one house where Ive ever seen a pocket door.

 

[yaxthri]

The pocket door key explanation is plausable but on Happycamper's particular find I think it's from a drawer and doubled as a drawer puller/handle.
No pic to prove my theory though...

 

[nova treasure]

agreeing with Nola Ken,
A fairly common antique pocket door key composed of brass with an oval shaped bow .