Has anyone came across something like this?

[Recoveredmol]

I found this key a month ago at an early 1800s site and in the process of cleaning it up. I noticed a different color material that surrounds the base of the bit. The key is iron and the base of the but is surrounded by what looks like copper or brass...some bronze colored matel.

Could it have been their way of repairing the key? Maybe the bit broke off at some point?

What do yall think?

 

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[creskol]

A lot of skeleton keys were nickel plated.

 

[mydejavooo]

I'll bet it was plated with some other metal. I mean, it COULD have been a repair, you never know. I've always loved those old things.

 

[globofgreen]

I agree with your repair theory.