What Kind of Key Is This?

[Erik in NJ]

It’s about 2” in length. I was surprised by the blob of rust. Was that an iron insert of some sort? Rest of the key has a beautifully uniform green patina.

 

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[jeff of pa]

I wouldn't consider it solved until an identical known one is shown,
but good point on size

 

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[Goodyguy]

What is under the rust may be the "key" to the ID.

 

[Loco-Digger]

I dug one of those a few years ago and never could get a good ID

 

[bowwinkles]

Another idea:

Antique Mid 1800?s Music Box Key Wind Single Cylinder Works Nice | Music Boxes

 

[Loco-Digger]

Another idea:

Antique Mid 1800?s Music Box Key Wind Single Cylinder Works Nice | Music Boxes

Doubt if that's it. your example used the tip to wind the item, similar to some clock winders, ours goes in and the mid section is used for something.

 

[jeff of pa]

yea winders are hollow

https://www.rubylane.com/item/741898-Bx2e1485-360/19th-Century-Steel-Clock-Key-Winder

 

[Erik in NJ]

Hi. I posted the size in the OP. The key is a little longer than 2".

i can't believe no-one has asked for the size? TO me the iron spot would be the paddle actuator low security pin or plate the round hole for the pin at the end would prevent just any old key from being inserted. I immediately thought watchman's key. Was this solved?

 

[Erik in NJ]

Wow! That is essentially the identical key! Rust in the same area and identical patina.

As I suspected, the rust is caused by an iron insert into the bronze key. Why they used an iron insert is still baffling. Mine was found at a house from the early to mid 19th c. Thanks for posting.

I dug one of those a few years ago and never could get a good ID

View attachment 1876046

 

[trdking]

That is what I have always seen as a night watchman key. Used to insert in a box on a wall to make a mark on paper inside. This would prove how many times a watchman made his rounds

 

[Erik in NJ]

That is what I have always seen as a night watchman key. Used to insert in a box on a wall to make a mark on paper inside. This would prove how many times a watchman made his rounds

Thanks for the lead. I Googled "vintage watchman key" and couldn't find any near matches. What are the salient features of a watchman's key? Loco-digger's key and mine both seem to have rust on and around the bit. Does this indicated an iron bit insert and if so why would that be done? Still looking for answers on this interesting and enigmatic key. Thanks.