Chubb Key Questions ???

[Angusbuddy]

I'm hoping someone can give me a little information about a Chubb key I recently found while on business earlier this week. It appears to be of good quality and heavy for its size 3 1/4" Any information would be appreciated.

[oldlock]

Nice key. It would date from 1877 to 1939. It would have been part of a large master keyed system - as evidenced by the number on the bow.

The engraved monogram on the other side of the bow suggests that it came from the estate of a titled owner and that may be possible to research to see exactly which family's symbol it is. I recall seeing somewhere that the style of the coronet can help a lot, being different for Dukes, Viscounts, Lords etc.

[Tom Gordon]

I dont think the logo would be referring to English nobility-more likely Chubb sent the key (and lock) to the colonies.

[Angusbuddy]

Gentlemen thanks for the prompt reply. Would either of you venture to guess what the key was for safe, vault, door lock? It seems awful large to be carrying around for just everyday use. Additionally where would one begin to research the family crest or symbol ?

[oldlock]

It was for a mortice (door) lock for sure. Can't really help with the other research, maybe see if the college of arms can suggest a line of research :?:

[Sam Kremer]

The image of the man is from the crest of the Scottish arms of Murray. With the crown, it's probably the Duke of Athol. The blazon is: "a demi-man wreathed about the loins and head, vert, in his dexter hand a dagger, argent, hilt and pomel or, in the sinister a key, proper." Motto: Furth Fortune."

[Tom Gordon]

The image of the man is from the crest of the Scottish arms of Murray. With the crown, it's probably the Duke of Athol. The blazon is: "a demi-man wreathed about the loins and head, vert, in his dexter hand a dagger, argent, hilt and pomel or, in the sinister a key, proper." Motto: Furth Fortune."

Well found - yes from one of the colonies - a lovely clan who have the unique honour of maintaining Europe’s only legal, private army - their motto means “go forth against your enemies and bring back captives”.
maybe best not let it be known that you have one of their keys, but next time you visit the area look at the locks in Blair Castle.

The Clan motto reads Furth, Fortune, and Fill the Fetters, meaning, roughly, go forth against your enemies, have good fortune, and return with captives. The Clan motto reads Furth, Fortune, and Fill the Fetters, meaning, roughly, go forth against your enemies, have good fortune, and return with captives.