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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jul 2013
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    2
    Country: United States

    Default keil model 6 1/2

    what is the average value on this keil 6 1/2 and any info on this machine?

    Thanks

  2. #2
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    Jul 2013
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    Country: United States

    Default pics of machine

    keil model 6 1/2





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  3. #3
    Join Date
    Oct 2010
    Location
    Tonawanda, NY, USA
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    900
    Country: United States

    Default

    Attached is a catalog description of the Keil Nos. 6 and 6-1/2 from a 1960s distributor catalog. Although long discontinued, the "turret" machine is favored by some locksmiths for cutting flat steel and bit keys. I've seen them selling for as much as $500 in good working condition. Your's looks pretty rough and would require a major rebuilding effort. Since parts are no longer extant, the services of a good machinist would likely be required to complete the task. The identical machine was also sold under the Ilco marque who aquired Keil back in the 1930s.

    Pete Schifferli
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails KeilNos.6and6.5.jpg  

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
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    Tavistock, Devon UK
    Posts
    562
    Country: Great Britain

    Default

    Green wrinkle and other wrinkle paints were so popular in the 60's and 70's for its supposed scratch resisting qualities.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Oct 2015
    Posts
    3
    Country: Canada

    Default Keil #0 machine

    I have a Keil #0 model key machine that I am trying to get info on. It is in great condition.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Oct 2010
    Location
    Tonawanda, NY, USA
    Posts
    900
    Country: United States

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Securityman View Post
    I have a Keil #0 model key machine that I am trying to get info on. It is in great condition.
    Francis Keil & Son, Inc. of New York City was founded in 1876. Ilco acquired this firm in the 1930s, closed the NY plant in the 1950s and moved its facilities to Charlestown, NH where it became Keil Lock Co., Inc. In 1974 the Indedendent Lock Co. (Ilco) of Fitchburg, MA and Keil Lock Co. of Charlestown, NY were both closed and moved to a new facility in Rocky Mount, NC. Interestingly, both Keil locations offered slightly different versions of the #0 key machine; which has been described as "the first semi-automatic machine". It could be operated by hand or motor driven and duplicate either cylinder or flat keys by changing the cutter.* In later years certain identical models, but not #0; were sold under both the Keil and Ilco marques. See thumbnails attached, Keil NY is on the left; Keil NH on the right.

    *adapted from Locks and Lockmakers of America by the late Thomas F. Hennessy and Simon-Says website by Laurence (Laurie) Simon.

    Pete Schifferli

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  7. #7
    Join Date
    Oct 2015
    Posts
    3
    Country: Canada

    Default Thanks

    Thanks for the info on the Keil machine. Any idea as to the year of manufacture? It is the one shown in B&W in your attachments.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Oct 2010
    Location
    Tonawanda, NY, USA
    Posts
    900
    Country: United States

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Securityman View Post
    Thanks for the info on the Keil machine. Any idea as to the year of manufacture? It is the one shown in B&W in your attachments.
    If Keil NY likely 1920s-1940s. The carriage of this machine was under spring tension against the cutter while the left hand wheel was apparently turned to advance the blank and original key from right to left, thus the designation as the first semi-automatic. The original Keil No. 9 rotary file for cylinder keys can be replaced by Ilco No. 9RF, while the original Keil No. 24 flat slotter can be replaced by Ilco No. 11FS; both of which are still available from locksmith suppliers.

    Pete Schifferli

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Oct 2015
    Posts
    3
    Country: Canada

    Default Thanks again

    Quote Originally Posted by Pschiffe View Post
    If Keil NY likely 1920s-1940s. The carriage of this machine was under spring tension against the cutter while the left hand wheel was apparently turned to advance the blank and original key from right to left, thus the designation as the first semi-automatic. The original Keil No. 9 rotary file for cylinder keys can be replaced by Ilco No. 9RF, while the original Keil No. 24 flat slotter can be replaced by Ilco No. 11FS; both of which are still available from locksmith suppliers.

    Pete Schifferli
    The unit is a New York machine with the No. 9 blade (in not so bad condition). Thanks again

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