Brass or bronze key, hollow on end. 1860s...?

[Bedrock Bryan]

Key was found on private property in the Allegheny mining district, Sierra county CA.
Am researching for a friend. The site where the key was found had may bottles that where 1860s era. My friend believes the key went to arm or leg shackles..?
Measurements are as follows 2.6" long or 66.17mn long. Top part of key where you hold it while using is 1.1" inches wide or 28.99mm. The end of the key where it goes in is hollow. My friend is a care taker of some historical mining ground. This area was discovered during the Gold Lake hysteria. View attachment 1454496View attachment 1454497

 

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[JccEldreth]

Looks like a old pad lock key to me, but no expert.

 

[lockster99]

Pretty complicated cut on the bit for a padlock....but it could be. No markings at all on the bow of the key?

 

[tracker_usmc]

I can't help with the key, but I've been camping and fishing at Sardine Lake, Salmon Lake and the Yuba River in that area since I was a little kid. There's a lot of history in that area.

 

[ivan salis]

in a mining area --- gold dust and tools and dynamite all would be kept under lock and key in a pad locked trunk or box

 

[Bedrock Bryan]

Thanks all I'll keep searching, nicest key of old I've ever seen.

 

[HuntinDog]

Allegheny is a great area. I have property in Pike City just down the road...
My Grandfather worked in the 16 to 1 mine and I have original quartz gold jewelry from the mine.

Those are referred to as Barrel Keys.
They were used for everything from doors to safes and padlocks.
And come in all sizes from as small as 1/2" to as big as 5 or more inches.
Great find... Love finding brass keys.

 

[Bedrock Bryan]

HuntinDog, thanks for the reply, I just found a bit of gold in quartz/arseninical pyrite. Was hunting on an old mine dump. Yes Allegheny mining district is way cool. Dug up a early suspender buckle an hour ago. Any way thanks for info. I have only found ferrous keys that where toast. ⛏[emoji631]⛏