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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Nov 2013
    Posts
    1
    Country: United States

    Default Mystery Keys - Please Help Identify

    Collectors, I bought a collection of European keys -- everything from Gothic on up. But there are two mystery keys I cannot identify. The first is an ornate brass hollow key with a chain. On eBay someone (antiquezar) called this a "spy key," but what self-respecting spy would be caught with it? The only other possibility is a key in the Vincent Eras book, p. 56. It has a cross on the bit. The second is a strange key, brass bow and iron shaft, with what appears to be the image of a dancing woman on it. Please help! Thank you. Robert
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails 005.JPG   004.JPG  

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Nov 2005
    Location
    Seattle WA
    Posts
    1,327
    Country: United States

    Default

    I am leaning that the key with the chain was worn to show station within a lodge house or fraternity. The second key looks to be ornamental more than for use, but I could be wrong.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Dec 2006
    Location
    Toronto
    Posts
    188
    Country: Canada

    Default

    The 2nd key has correct looking Warding.
    But the Case Wards haven't been filed.
    May be an ornamental key head for a functioning Lock ?

    The 1st key looks ornamental.
    Not sure about fraternity use?
    Other ones in use are small and light weight.
    If you know the name of the fraternity
    then the purpose could be explained by them.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Dec 2006
    Location
    Toronto
    Posts
    188
    Country: Canada

    Default

    ooops ...have to add that the 2nd key is a Bridge Ward key.
    Two of the internal Wards haven't been filled.
    It does look like it is a functioning key.

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