Yale and Towne Post Office Box Key
This is a Yale and Towne key that folds on a hinge. It was likely used as a lock out key for a post office box. It is marked “Stamford Yale & Towne Conn. U.S.A. MFG. CO.”
The reverse of the 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: