Antique Hinged Sewing Machine Key September 14, 2013 jason Keys, Other Mechanical Keys Hinged Sewing Machine Key This is a hinged sewing machine key patented on November 21, 1871 by Edward L Gaylord. The patent number is US121096 viewable here: https://www.google.com/patents/US121096?dq=november+21+1871+key&hl=en&sa=X&ei=pr00Ut6bFMmb2QWAg4CIDg&ved=0CDkQ6AEwAA Side view of the key: View showing the patent date of the key: