Thread: Antique Key Values

Hello everyone, first time poster.

I have been collecting old keys as a hobby since my Grandfather gave me a skeleton key many years ago.

I recently logged on to a popular Internet auction site to discover the selling prices of old keys has skyrocketed.

Is there a reason for this? Are people collecting more now days, or is there some other reason for the crazy prices being paid for old keys? Are people doing other things with the keys? The mystery is very interesting!

Thanks:

Max

I would think that it might be the key in question more than just any key. Some keys that have sold in recent time might have been rare one of a kind keys or pototype keys and locks. If there is a history put to a key it is worth more than just a key. So knowing what a key fit and/or what it was used for can change a price to the higher levels in a hurry. But that is only if the collectors know what it is REALLY worth to them.

Is there an Internet or book source for dating and identifying keys? I do have a copy of Monk's book but it's quite limited.