What is this? Key to??

[Green Frost]

Found this today while walking in the woods, I'm pretty sure it's a key.
The initials P.C are stamped on the Front.
ABLAKE is stamped on the back. (smaller than on the front)


***Click Pictures to get a bigger view***

 

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[cwdigger]

def. a key maybe to a box of gold looks like possibly a handcuff key my dad is a trooper and his look simaliar to that just not as short and stubby

 

[djabend]

I have one of these keys as well. I am assuming they are railroad related due to the stamp on mine but as to their exact use
I am uncertain.


Hope someone can fill in the blanks for you. HH,
Donny

 

[jddave79]

Don't know if this will help at all.....

http://www.railroadiana.org/fakes/pgFakes_Keys.php

-JD in WV

 

[Green Frost]

just took a closer look at mine, and on the back of mine it says ADLAKE, also.

 

[jddave79]

However if it's genuine ........

http://www.brasswhistle.com/locks.htm

-JD in WV

Fulton county rail road is the only one I'm finding

 

[Green Frost]

I wouldn't think the one I found is fake, It was in the middle of my woods. There is a railroad track not even 3 minutes away from my house. When I found it, there were also other keys attached with it to a key ring. When I picked up the key ring it instantly snapped from being rusted, along with the key ring snapping, a couple of keys also snapped in half from being so rusted. Along with all the keys was a whistle, kind of looks like a safety whistle. What I don't understand is why these keys would be in my woods, I live on top of a hill a little ways from the railroad track, I mean you would have to cross a field, then a road, then go up the hill I live on. Then once you are on top of my hill, you would have to go up another big hill behind my house in order to get to the woods where I found this set of keys. Idk, it's all a mystery! 8)

 

[Mackaydon]

Donnie:
This may be yours:
http://antiques-internet.com/colorado/railroadmemories/dynapage/IP3219.htm

 

[jddave79]

My G-grand dad worked the railroad all his life and walked to work everyday. Maybe it's the same scenario with who ever lost those keys. -JD in WV

 

[re-tek]

old brass railroad lock key. i have a similar one with its lock. as to why its out there... who knows.. two guys got in a fight and one threw the others keys? one guy had a nature call and wanted to be far away from his fellow prankster employee buddies? some railroad guy was playing "night golf" in the field?

 

[silverswede]

I worked for the Union Pacific a long time back and keys like that were assigned to switchmen on the line. They would unlock the padlocks that secured the switches on the main line.Were quite important because if a switch was left open an the main line you could send a train off unto a siding at a pretty good speed and jeopardize alot more than your job. Things are all controlled remotely now.

 

[Gypsy Heart]

Nice find .......... now go get the padlock!

 

[Green Frost]

Nice find .......... now go get the padlock!

I'm taking the metal detector where I found the key soon, maybe I will get lucky. 8)

 

[diggummup]

I worked for the Union Pacific a long time back and keys like that were assigned to switchmen on the line. They would unlock the padlocks that secured the switches on the main line.Were quite important because if a switch was left open an the main line you could send a train off unto a siding at a pretty good speed and jeopardize alot more than your job. Things are all controlled remotely now.

Good answer and explanation. Nice switch lock key.
PS- The PC could stand for Pennsylvania Central R.R.,are you in Pa.?

 

[Mackaydon]

PCRR could also represent the Pacific Coast Railroad

 

[diggummup]

PCRR could also represent the Pacific Coast Railroad

Very true, I guess the next question to Green Frost is , Which side of the country you on? West coast or east coast?

 

[Green Frost]

I am on the east coast, in Ohio

 

[djabend]

I was looking through some boxes of stuff and found another one. This one is a little smaller my other one and has a little corrosion on it but is still nice.


HH,
Donny