Please Help ID key

[Nick Yuschak]

I found this key in the on the site (an empty lot)of a railroad station in Malba, New York(Queens) that was demolished when the Whitestone Branch of the Long Island Railroad was abandoned in the early 1930’s. It is made of iron and has traces metallic plating on it. There is a swivel attachment for a chain and a number 4 where you grip the key and the shaft is solid. Patents pending are listed on the “teeth”, the easiest date I can read is OCT. 16, 1915. There are no railroad markings on it, nor is it a railroad switch key style, but it still looks like it could be for a coach, caboose, or the station. It doesn’t look like any other style key I’ve seen before. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

[Brian Denyer]

Hi Nick :
This is a Watchman's key made of brass.
It is a US Patent key.
I have 3 different types of this key.
The watch station number is stamped on the keyhead
and the number is also in a raised form
on the bottom of the beard.

Brian .................................................. ..........
*************************************

[Nick Yuschak]

Thanks, Brian!

Can I assume this is not necessarily a railroad related item but can be from any sort of facility that needed a night watchman? Are there any links or publications for more info on this type of key?

Nick

[Brian Denyer]

Hi Nick:

You are welcome.

Can I assume this is not necessarily a railroad related item but can
be from any sort of facility that needed a night watchman?
**********Yes it was used by several private companies.
I believethe DETEX website shows some pictures of the watchclocks
and watch stations.
The key you have is usually made of brass, and perhaps has
been oxidized over the years to take on a dark patina.
A gentle SOS pad rubbing will bring out a series of patent
dates stamped on the key beard.
A light brushed high lighting will bring out the small star
on the roatating ball set into the keyhead.

Are there any links or publications for more info on this type of key?
******** I wrote and illustrated an article in The Ontario Locksmith
magazine a couple of years ago. The article can be scanned and sent
if you like.
My knowlege of computers is at the elementary level only.
So if you can send your e-mail I think the article can be sent
via internet.

Some of these keys are offered on Ebay, along with guess work
as to their true function. And even when some dealers are
informed of their origin they ignore the information and still claim
they are Hotel keys with the room numbers stamped on the key.


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

[Nick Yuschak]

Thanks again, Brian.

If you are able to send your article my e-mail is mailto:nyuschak@yahoo.com. If not, don’t worry about it. You have been the only one knowledgeable enough about this type of key to help me, so far, and I really appreciate it. As you mentioned there is a series of patent dates (PATENTED MAY 26, 1901-FEB 11, 1908-OCT6, 1914?-OCT 16, 1915 PAT'S PEND.) stamped on the key beard and a small star on the rotating ball. I hadn’t noticed the star until you pointed it out. On one side it looks like a 5 pointed star and on the other side it looks more like an x.

Nick