Substantial Large Folding Key

September 14, 2013 jason Leave a comment

Substantial Large Folding Key

Large Antique Folding Key Hinged In Middle Rare Key 10b

This large folding key is made of iron and is likely hand riveted. It folds midway through the shaft. This is a very unusual design for a key of this size. Most keys of this stature do not fold at all. Unfortunately there is a crack in the folding mechanism, but it is probably a very old crack dating back to the era when this key was utilized and may have been part of the key from construction. Possibly used as a gate key. A view of the key folded:

Large Antique Folding Key Hinged In Middle Rare Key 10e

The other side of the key:

Large Antique Folding Key Hinged In Middle Rare Key 10a

The key folded:

Large Antique Folding Key Hinged In Middle Rare Key 10c

The key partially folded:

Large Antique Folding Key Hinged In Middle Rare Key 10d

Antique Folding Key with Unique Modified Claw Handle

September 14, 2013 jason Leave a comment

Folding Key with Claw Handle

Antique Folding Key with Unique Modified Claw Handle Key 11a

This is a unique folding key with a claw handle. The key features two different metal compositions, probably brass and steel. The handle appears to be custom made for the key which was probably originally a standard skeleton key. The shaft of the key enters the wrist of a knurled fist or claw that holds onto the decorative shaft end and provides the pivot point. Perhaps this key was used by someone rich or in a hotel. The rear of the key is stamped “3663.” View of the back of the key:

Antique Folding Key with Unique Modified Claw Handle Key 11b

Folded view of the key:

Antique Folding Key with Unique Modified Claw Handle Key 11c

Folded rear view of the key showing the “3663” stamping:

Antique Folding Key with Unique Modified Claw Handle Key 11e

Antique Folding Bit Key Handmade by Prisoner

September 14, 2013 jason Leave a comment

Antique Folding Bit Key

This very unique Folding Bit Key is believed to have been handmade by a prisoner in New York, probably in a metalworking class. The key is hand hammered and made and features a tapered body. The very unique feature is the bit. Unlikely a normal folding key where the shaft folds in half, the bit on this key folds inwards into the shaft. In this particular key, the bit swings freely. I’ve never seen another one like this and likely never will. It is probably a one of a kind key. The other side of the key:

Antique Folding Bit Key Handmade by Prisoner Key 8a

The bit retracted:

Antique Folding Bit Key Handmade by Prisoner Key 8c

The bit halfway retracted:

Antique Folding Bit Key Handmade by Prisoner Key 8d