Trying to ID this for Margie .. Can you help?

[creskol]

I know I have seen something like this before, but just can't place it right now.

Any thoughts?

Thanks!

 

[fyrffytr1]

Is it one piece or does it have a pivot point?

 

[Chug And Red]

It looks like a key!!!!! Maybe an old safe deposit box!!!!! HH Chug

 

[eathan]

The number on it makes me think of a key as well.

 

[creskol]

Is it one piece or does it have a pivot point?

No pivot point, it is one solid piece.

 

[AU24K]

It looks like a key!!!!! Maybe an old safe deposit box!!!!! HH Chug

I agree. Being numbered it could also be for, say a bank of early postal boxes?

Best,
Scott

 

[creskol]

I just learned that this is a watchman's key dating to the 1880's. A watchman would find the key chained to a station along their tour. They would insert the key into their watchclock, where it would cause a paper disc to be stamped with the station number, date and time. The piece extending from the side caused the marking. The number on the key would correspond to the station to which it was assigned.

Thanks all for your replies.

 

[dozer dan]

i was kinda thinkin an old call box key for a beat cop

or reset key for a sidewalk fire alarm box.

possibly even an old payphone coinbox key