My first whole key.

[demano]

Still a newbie but I finally found my first whole skeleton key. Is there any way to date these keys? I see no markings but the surface appears to be hammered? I think the key is brass? Thanks for any info.

 

[crashbandicoot]

It,s a cool key!Congratulations!

 

[E-Trac-Ohio]

Great find !

 

[smokeythecat]

I love these. Hard to find anymore too.

 

[Digger RJ]

Still a newbie but I finally found my first whole skeleton key. Is there any way to date these keys? I see no markings but the surface appears to be hammered? I think the key is brass? Thanks for any info.

Very Cool!!! Congrats!!!

 

[CRUSADER]

A bit tough to tell but doesn't look very brass like in the picture, more iron looking?

 

[pepperj]

Well done on the key recovery, always a nice find they are.
I agree with Cru' of it looking more like iron. Take a magnet to see if it sticks.

It looks as the "Bit" (part that goes into the lock) was a one of two that were commonly sold.
What is unique is the off setting of the Bow and the Bit, which most keys are in the same direction.

 

[demano]

I did test with magnet and no attraction so I assumed brass, would iron have same attraction as steel? Thanks all for the information.

 

[Hunk-a-lead]

Still a newbie but I finally found my first whole skeleton key. Is there any way to date these keys? I see no markings but the surface appears to be hammered? I think the key is brass? Thanks for any info.

very special find, still looking for my first, wtg

 

[Silvermonkey]

Skeleton keys don't surface all that often. It's a great find demano. Congrats to you!

 

[oldmxrat]

Nice key, I always like finding those, congrats!

 

[DigToChina]

Nice key! Not sure what to make of the magnetic profile given I would have guessed same as Cru and pepper. Regardless, based on the rust I think I see, you’ll want to consider cleaning and stabilizing. I did my last one with electrolysis and then boiled in paraffin. Turned out great.

 

[demano]

Nice key! Not sure what to make of the magnetic profile given I would have guessed same as Cru and pepper. Regardless, based on the rust I think I see, you’ll want to consider cleaning and stabilizing. I did my last one with electrolysis and then boiled in paraffin. Turned out great.

Thanks just starting to build my electrolysis unit. Where do you get the quanity of wax? Thanks

 

[crashbandicoot]

Thanks just starting to build my electrolysis unit. Where do you get the quanity of wax? Thanks

Don,t mean to butt in,but there are several types of trap wax,for waxing steel animal traps,both clear and some have a coloring to them.This wax is specifically formulated for iron and steel.You can order it from any trapper supply house.Just google trap supplies and you,ll get plenty of hits.You do know you have to heat the wax quite hot and put the object in it,usually until no more bubbles appear and then pull it out and shake off the excess,let it cool and voila,perfectly sealed.

 

[demano]

Don,t mean to butt in,but there are several types of trap wax,for waxing steel animal traps,both clear and some have a coloring to them.This wax is specifically formulated for iron and steel.You can order it from any trapper supply house.Just google trap supplies and you,ll get plenty of hits.You do know you have to heat the wax quite hot and put the object in it,usually until no more bubbles appear and then pull it out and shake off the excess,let it cool and voila,perfectly sealed.

Thanks for the info. Going to order.

 

[DigToChina]

Don,t mean to butt in,but there are several types of trap wax,for waxing steel animal traps,both clear and some have a coloring to them.This wax is specifically formulated for iron and steel.You can order it from any trapper supply house.Just google trap supplies and you,ll get plenty of hits.You do know you have to heat the wax quite hot and put the object in it,usually until no more bubbles appear and then pull it out and shake off the excess,let it cool and voila,perfectly sealed.

Huh. I just used parriffin same as Aquachigger after watching his vids. 🤷🏻‍♂️ Picked up a pot from the thrift store and used my BBQ side burner. Finally found a use for the bloody thing.

OP: those videos are worth a watch if you haven’t already regardless of the wax you use.

 

[Trezurehunter]

Nice job on the skeleton key.

 

[crashbandicoot]

Huh. I just used parriffin same as Aquachigger after watching his vids. 🤷🏻‍♂️ Picked up a pot from the thrift store and used my BBQ side burner. Finally found a use for the bloody thing.

OP: those videos are worth a watch if you haven’t already regardless of the wax you use.

Nothing at all wrong with good old parriffin wax.The trap wax is a bit less brittle and adheres better to iron. For sure watch the videos if you,ve never hot waxed an item before.Hot wax will burn ya too,just like any hot liquid so be careful.If it begins to smoke,turn down the heat,it can catch fire so have a small fire extinguisher handy.Common sense goes a long way.

 

[demano]

Nothing at all wrong with good old parriffin wax.The trap wax is a bit less brittle and adheres better to iron. For sure watch the videos if you,ve never hot waxed an item before.Hot wax will burn ya too,just like any hot liquid so be careful.If it begins to smoke,turn down the heat,it can catch fire so have a small fire extinguisher handy.Common sense goes a long way.

Thanks for all the help, this site is my daily read when I can't be out searching. Love it.

 

[Coinstar magnet]

Still a newbie but I finally found my first whole skeleton key. Is there any way to date these keys? I see no markings but the surface appears to be hammered? I think the key is brass? Thanks for any info.

That's exciting....mine was probably turn of the century....as the house where it was found was early 1900's... I'm guessing yours is late 1800's or early 19...but I'm certain somebody can nail it for you.... congratulations 👍