Any skeleton key experts out there?

[dg39]

Picked up a bag of keys a few weekends ago at a estate sale. Why? I do not know. I tend to be implusive with things like that.
Wondered if there are any unique ones in the batch. The one with the solid shaft intrigues me, is it for a clock?
DG

 

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[AU24K]

I'm no expert, but I beleive that any type of skeleton key that folds is worth some cash!
Most skeleton keys provided a small amount of security for the era that they were used; nobody really locked their doors.
They were used in what's called a "mortise" lockset.

The keys that are of odd size, odd shape and whether it's made of a base metal or a better metal, say, brass, will help to determine its value.
Hope this helps...

Scott

 

[Chris_Odom]

I know nothing on keys but i think they all look kool.

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

You have mortise door keys first row but I also see mortise cabinet, cupboard and chest keys, drawer and till in the second row.(in no particular order) Mortise third row. If I get a chance Ill try to take some pics from my books. The square shaft I dont know.

 

[dick99344]

Picked up a bag of keys a few weekends ago at a estate sale. Why? I do not know. I tend to be implusive with things like that.
Wondered if there are any unique ones in the batch. The one with the solid shaft intrigues me, is it for a clock?
DG

You have a nice collection of Bit (post) and barrel warded keys. The bit (post) keys were generally used in mortise type house locks as already mentioned, they are the keys that have a post extension slightly beyond the cut bit. I can still obtain these locks today. The barrel keys were most generally used in furniture, chest, and cabinet locks. The end of the barrel keys are hollow. The purpose of the post or hollow ends were to aid in proper alignment of the key into the lock. It appears that you have one lever tumbler key in that collection, these types of lock had various uses from padlocks to mail box locks. The metals that were/are used to make these keys ranged from malleable iron to stainless steel. HH

Dicks Lock Service

 

[dg39]

Thanks to all!
DG

 

[Tnmountains]

Hey nice finds. I have a box of those somewhere. A lot of my cabinets and doors still use those. Lot nicer than the keys of today.
TnMtns