My first whole key.

demano

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Dec 5, 2020
89
395
Wisconsin
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Digger RJ

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Aug 24, 2017
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SW Missouri/Oklahoma
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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!!!
 

pepperj

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Feb 3, 2009
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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.
 

OP
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demano

demano

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Dec 5, 2020
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395
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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

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Dec 20, 2020
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Kansas City
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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
 

DigToChina

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Sep 9, 2016
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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.
 

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demano

demano

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Dec 5, 2020
89
395
Wisconsin
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Garret carrot
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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

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Sep 27, 2020
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Dumas,AR
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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.
 

OP
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demano

demano

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Dec 5, 2020
89
395
Wisconsin
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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

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Sep 9, 2016
1,221
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GTA East, Ontario
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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.
 

crashbandicoot

Gold Member
Sep 27, 2020
12,129
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Dumas,AR
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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.
 

OP
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demano

demano

Jr. Member
Dec 5, 2020
89
395
Wisconsin
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AT MAX
Garret carrot
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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

Silver Member
Apr 5, 2020
2,506
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Beverly Massachusetts
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Tesoro compadre
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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 👍
 

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