Old Key?

thedukeofdelaware

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Apr 20, 2017
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Delaware
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Can someone put an age on this? Reads "Huber" on the front. On the back, it says "Earle Hardware Manufacturing Company (Hdw. Mfg. Co.) Reading, PA." Thanks!
 

Pinterest sold a few similar labeled from the 60's.
 

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I think its older. Keys like that have been around since the 1800s. I would say 1930s or 1940s, or somewhere around there, based on the "Huber" design and the lack of USA on it. Since it only has the city and state on it, that suggests it was made to be sold here in the USA, and not somewhere outside the country. By the 1960s, "USA" on our products was standard, before World War II it was less common. State and city is more often seen on stuff from the early 20th century and back.
 

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I'd say they were still being used in the 60s. My grandfather had lots in his shop back then. I've got maybe 15 or 20 of those blanks in my stock. Last time I cut one was around 2000. I think you can still get them from the supply houses. Looks like they made the mistake of a deep cut by the bow & it snapped. Rookie mistake!
 

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