Gold key to?

[Dug]

Hi;

Dug this iron key last Sat at an early period house site, and have been soaking it in Apple Vinegar since. Rather large key (over 5 inches considering part of the handle is gone), but what surprised me is the gold gilt still attached to the key at the end. Sure would have liked to have seen what this looked like before time and elements took their toll.

Assume it was a large door key of some sort.

 

[MT_Joe]

I bet the the door that it locked looked pretty neat, too. Nice find!

 

[bobby5]

Wow, Very Interesting. Nice Find though. Good Luck

 

[Msbeepbeep]

That's an unusual key!

 

[Dug]

That's an unusual key!

I inspected the end closer and i am now convinced that it is not gilt, but rather gold plating. That being the case I agree with you about it being unusual as I don't follow the purpose of gold plate an iron key.

 

[Produce Guy]

Take it to a locksmith or Goggle it to see what it might have went to.
Keep us posted.

 

[DigIron2]

that is neat.maybe a jail door key?