3 Old keys I found at property from late 1800s..

[CrownVic26]

3 Old keys I found at property from late 1800's..

Hi all,
I found these keys around a very big old tree in the backyard of a house from the 1800s once stood. theya re 2 1/8" long, the 2 keys on the outside has a hole completely through the cylinder while the middle key is shut closed Key #1 has: "CSTPM&0RR" and on back: "W"on left and "D" on right side. Key #2 has on front: "C&S RY" and on back has "S" on top. key #3has on front: "STPM & MRR" and on back: "S" on top. i'm wondering a possible age on these? and what the letters were for. Also, if any value for these kinds of keys? I appreciate any info on this as I have been curious for quite some time now. Thanks!!

 

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[ekeisler]

The first one is from the Chicago St. Paul Minneapolis & Omaha Railroad. It operated from 1865-1957 when the Omaha branch was discontinued. Here's one that is exactly like yours.

 

[ekeisler]

The 2nd key is from the Colorado & Southern Railway. Dates of operation: 1898–1981

 

[ekeisler]

The third one is from the St. Paul, Minneapolis & Manitoba Railway. It was in operation from the 1880s to the 1900s after about 1905 it was abandoned.

 

[mr_rich]

Nice. I wonder if the locks are out there in the yard too!

 

[CrownVic26]

Thanks for the very usefull and interesting info!! Its exciting to find out the additionals on things like this. There was still a ton of iron hits out there looks like I'm going back to cleanup. I hope to find a lock !! I will post it if I do. Thanks again

 

[CrownVic26]

Also, did these keys have something to do with rail road locks or something like that? Or was that just the manufacturers of the keys?

 

[Ramitt]

Also, did these keys have something to do with rail road locks or something like that? Or was that just the manufacturers of the keys?

here is a good read on railroad locks.
Railroad Locks - Railroadiana Online