Antique Nested Bramah Key (or Bramah style) Extremely Rare and Unique Key

Nested Bramah Key

  Antique Nested Bramah Key Extremely Rare and Unique Key 18a This is a very unusual and rare mechanical Nested Bramah Key. The key consists of a Bramah key with another Bramah key inside of it. The spring inside the bow is manually contracted and turned (rotated) locking the inside bit in the visible and extended position. Very little is known about the original function of this key. The key was possibly used for a challenge, safe, vault or patent lock or was a prototype that never realized production, but research has not turned up anything. Much more likely, it was made as a novelty of sorts, either as a “trick” for a lock, or to go to two separate locks contained within the same house (door and jewelry box, for ex.). Unfortunately I have been unsuccessful thus far in locating a British or European patent for this key, but I am hoping someone with access to the old records can find something and forward me a copy. It is possibly (likely) made by someone else during the time period after Bramah’s original patent expired. S. Morden is known for making a Bramah style lock. The only known supposedly nested Bramah style lock is the Houdini Mirror Cuffs, which you can read more about here from the 1904 paper: http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/9682308?searchTerm=%22houdini%22&searchLimits=sortby=dateAsc And for more information on replicas that have been made, see here: http://www.wildabouthoudini.com/2013/03/guest-blog-replica-mirror-cuffs.html It is believed this key dates to 50-75 years before the Houdini Cuffs. The key is 3 inches long in the closed position and about 3 1/2 inches long when fully extended. The larger outer barrel has 8 different cuts while the inner barrel has 4 different cuts.  The outer barrel is 3/8 inch diameter while the inner is 1/4 inch diameter. The key does have some minor rusting on it, but overall is in good working condition.   The other side of the extended key: Antique Nested Bramah Key Extremely Rare and Unique Key 18b A view of the key not extended. Note the screw and rotation slots used to extend the inner bit. Antique Nested Bramah Key Extremely Rare and Unique Key 18f A view of the key not extended: Antique Nested Bramah Key Extremely Rare and Unique Key 18g A view of the other side of the key extended: Antique Nested Bramah Key Extremely Rare and Unique Key 18h A close-up view of the bow with the spring and brass push-down: Antique Nested Bramah Key Extremely Rare and Unique Key 18i Another view of the key extended: Antique Nested Bramah Key Extremely Rare and Unique Key 18c   Another view of the key extended: Note the compressed spring: Antique Nested Bramah Key Extremely Rare and Unique Key 18d Close-up view of the key with the extended bit: Antique Nested Bramah Key Extremely Rare and Unique Key 18e

Unique Swiveling Double Bit Key

Swiveling Double Bit Key

  Antique Key that Swivels around Middle with Double Bow and Bit Key 12a This is a very unique swiveling double bit key. I have never seen another like it and am not quite certain of its purpose. The key works by rotating the inner portion of the bow through a middle shaft connected to one of the bits that rotates out to complete the key. I presume it is possible the key was made as a safer means of having a double bit key. By allowing it to swivel, it would take up less space and the bits would be less subjected to wear and tear because they would be thicker and thus reinforced by the other bit. Ironically, if this is the intended purpose, it did not work as there is a minor break on the lower bit of one side.   Key unfolded showing both bits: Antique Key that Swivels around Middle with Double Bow and Bit Key 12e View of the other side of the key. Broken bit is visible. Antique Key that Swivels around Middle with Double Bow and Bit Key 12b View of how the key swivels. Key is partially turned in this picture: Antique Key that Swivels around Middle with Double Bow and Bit Key 12c