Thread: Love to have some help identifying this key

You were right to suspect that the key might be a "knockoff." I have the same identical key (minus the holes) that was given to me. The holes may have been made by the previous owner for mounting. It came in a box that said: "Key to Colonial Hospitality. Keys to the large locks used on many colonial mansions like this one from a famous old Virginia home. Instead of letting it wear a hole in your pcket, use it to weight down papers on your desk. Often used today as 'The Key to the city.'" The initials VM is the only clue to the manufacturer or distributor. I took a picture of mine for your examination.

Hope this helps.
Scott

Hi Scott,
Thanks for the info , I had my suspicions about it especially when I seen the little brass pieces inserted in it, but was really wishing it was real lol. Still looks cool and I got it for nothing so can't complain for sure. Can't see the pic of yours tho, am I supposed to do anything , as you know I'm only a rookie on this site and being in my golden years the old grey matter is not what it used to be.

Thanks again
Randy

I'll try again to post the image. I'm glad I was able to help.
Scott

The main thing to look for is the casting marks on the edge of the key flag and the fact that it hasn't been used. That would be my first clue that the key is not real or not been used in a lock. The second part is that the hole is tapered and looks as pointed out to be a mounting hole.

The second key is much cleaner and could be a real key if you didn't look too close.

Thanks for all your help, and Scott I can see the pic of your key now as well, and it do definitely look like what I have, I will use it as an ornament and keep looking for the real deal. Thanks again Randy

I have 2 types of this key and one was used as a key with acquired wear patterns.
I think they may have taken a local key and modified it for sand casting?

Brian .....................................