🔎 UNIDENTIFIED Key ID help please

[Keith Jackson]

I got this key in a box lot from an auction a while back and would love to know more about it. I am guessing that it is brass or bronze. It is 6 1/4 inches long and weighs 13.8 ounces. I am thinking something along the lines of a jail key, but I can't find any pictures like it.

 

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[CreakyDigger]

I think you're right about it being a jail key. I found one on eBay, here. It also is 6 1/4 inches.

The pic for it is

 

[Keith Jackson]

Thanks for the input. I guess I didn't see that one because I was search for brass ones.

 

[CreakyDigger]

I have to say, brass made me think of a ship or a lighthouse...but only conjecture.

 

[CreakyDigger]

Here is a picture I saw today at an online auction house that we use. The third one reminds me of your key. They are calling them Hand-Forged Jail or Castle Keys.

 

[Keith Jackson]

Thanks. The brass? has me a little puzzled since wouldn't it be too soft for use in a big lock?

 

[mikewdarrow]

Thanks. The brass? has me a little puzzled since wouldn't it be too soft for use in a big lock?

As a former correctional office and certified locksmith, I can tell you that most prisons use large keys that are solid brass, made by a company called Folger Adams. This is not a FA key, so if it is a jail key, then it predates the company. Regardless of the original purpose, you have something special there.