Some sort of Lead key??

[leafsforever3]

My father found this and is looking for an ID. It was at an older site from the early 1800's. Think it is lead. Any info would be appreciated, and sorry for the poor picture quality!

 

[nhbenz]

Does the base of the acorn section have a square drive like an old clock key? (it's hard to tell in the photo)
Also, not knowing what brand of paper towel that is makes it less useful as a size reference. So if you could let us know what brand you use, that would help.

 

[taz42o]

Barrel tap key maybe.

Lead barrel-tap key. Georgian possibly. | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

 

[antique man]

Looks like it's part of a wind up toy.

 

[leafsforever3]

Does the base of the acorn section have a square drive like an old clock key? (it's hard to tell in the photo) Also, not knowing what brand of paper towel that is makes it less useful as a size reference. So if you could let us know what brand you use, that would help.

I known it's not the best pic, I took it with my phone . Next time I am visiting I will get a better pic with something beside it for. Size reference . It does have a square drive on the base. I don't have it with me but it's not large, Maybe an inch or so in length . Thanks!

 

[cosmic]

Radiator key for bleeding of old type home radiator boiler system...

 

[gunsil]

I agree with cosmic, home hot water heating system key for bleeding the air from radiators. I still have to use one. Most are and for a long time have been made of pot metal hence the "lead" appearance of leaf's find.

 

[donkarlos]

I agree with cosmic, home hot water heating system key for bleeding the air from radiators. I still have to use one. Most are and for a long time have been made of pot metal hence the "lead" appearance of leaf's find.

Yup. Look on Amazon and you can still buy em

 

[leafsforever3]

Interesting. Most of them I see have the female end, not the male. I could not find another like it on google images or amazon. Some look close, but can not find the same one. This appears to be what it is though. Thanks all!

The funny part is, I have an old heating system in my home, that uses these style Rads. I have bleeder valves that do not require keys though.

 

[gunsil]

From your photo I see a square female end just like the modern ones. Many radiators have self-bleeder valves on them these days. My house got central heating in 1959 or 1960, and the baseboard radiators and the cast iron upright ones still use the little keys.

 

[leafsforever3]

I can assure you it's a square male end, the photo is poor quality .

 

[nhbenz]

The square portion protrudes from it? Put another way, is it an innie or an outie?

 

[leafsforever3]

The square portion protrudes from it? Put another way, is it an innie or an outie?

Lol, it's an outie!

 

[donkarlos]

No doubt it really, really looks like a radiator key but since it has a male end then maybe it could be to a gas valve?
I was also thinking a skate key of some sort but they seem to be bigger all around.

 

[ironhorse]

Barrel tap key maybe.

Lead barrel-tap key. Georgian possibly. | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

I think you are on the right track

I've found several of the "keys" pictured above, and was told by someone years ago that they were beer barrel tap keys, although I can't find any pics to back that up at this moment, I think there's something to it, I'll update if I find more evidence