Quote Originally Posted by wlwhittier View Post
Well...there are many keys with holes in the end, to accept pins within the lock. You all will know what the nomenclature appropriate for such features are.

So the key I have may have been available in a 'blank' configuration, with hole; the need for such a hole, if absent, would leave opportunity for plugging the hole. I'm guessing, obviously...

Regarding Lock and Key Anatomy: is there a site (or a page in this forum) where such fundamental information can be found? It is somewhat embarrassing to stumble over descriptive specifics in near complete ignorance.

wlw
Your key may very well be a house key, large brass and bronze keys were very popular in the US from the early 1700's until the late 1800's and you can even get some new Baldwin hardware today that uses them. The cap you mention was sometimes used on barrel keys to keep dust out of the drilled end that went over the post(pin you called it) in a lock. The design of your key would be unusual for a barrel key but it is possible.

Anatomy wise, the flag is sometimes called that but more often called a 'bit'. The handle is the 'bow'. The part the flag is attached to is also called the post, but of the key. There is a 'stop' on your key which prevents the key going too far into the lock and between it and the bow is the 'shank'. That is a somewhat truncated anatomy but should help you understand what we may be talking about.
BBE.