Info Needed on an Independent Lock Company key maker

[JohnB]

I have this key maker that I need info on. I'm interested in selling it also if anyone knows whom would be interested in it.

[Pschiffe]

I have this key maker that I need info on. I'm interested in selling it also if anyone knows whom would be interested in it.

The Improved Duplex Key Cutting Machine will duplicate accurately cylinder keys, flat steel keys, and the lever cuts of bit keys, without the necessity of changing cutters.
Quote is from Ilco Catalog No. 12, copyright 1941. Your machine is probably ca. 1930s. These early machines were well made of cast iron and yours had a shipping weight of 50 lbs. After many years of use, they can become worn and inaccurate as the hardened steel shafts ride on iron castings without any anti-friction bearing surfaces. A machinist can install bronze bushings to alleviate this problem. Ilco began business in 1922 and moved to Rocky Mount, NC in 1974 where they are still active today. Although your machine may have some value to a collector, and appears to be in good condition, it would have little practical use in a modern locksmith shop. Contemporary duplicators are more streamlined, some are automatic and most have many additional operating features unfortunately rendering your machine rather obsolete. I have seen similar models for sale at around $100.00. I hope this information is useful.

Pete Schifferli

[Dean Nickel]

That is a model 177 Duplex key machine. That is all I can add to this.

[gonzales1972]

I have a key machine in good condition but on the logo it say's Minute instead of Duplex. I would like to know the history on this key machine like the year and is it of value. Thanks

[Pschiffe]

I have a key machine in good condition but on the logo it say's Minute instead of Duplex. I would like to know the history on this key machine like the year and is it of value. Thanks

The Minute was made in the same era as the Duplex, ca. 1930-1970. The Duplex had two cutters and was intended primarily to cut cylinder and flat keys while the Minute had had three cutters to make cylinder, flat and bit keys. I actually have an older Minute in my shop which I use occasionally. I've seen them selling in pristine condition for as much as $500.00. Many Ilco key machines were also sold under the Keil marque, an Ilco sister company. Attached are thumbnails of the two machines for comparison, Duplex on the left and Minute on the right.

Pete Schifferli

[dll932]

I used to work in a shop that had a reputation for making flat, bit and antique lock keys (and made a good bit of money doing it, as well as for fitting keys to older locks). We had similar machine and used it quite a bit.