Quote Originally Posted by Huw Eastwood View Post
Have you tried unscrewing the sections of the shaft- there might be a corkscrew inside?
Hi, Huw...

First: a strong magnet has no interest in any portion of the key. I seriously doubt the presence of a worm within. There is no indication of a joint anywhere along the length of the shaft...except as noted below.

Second: there does appear to be a 'cap' at the business end of the key; but I have resisted attempting to remove it. I have wondered whether there was a purpose for that cap, and concluded only that it may be a tooling feature, to facilitate the cutting or attachment of the 'flag' (I don't know the correct terms for key anatomy...sorry).

Please note the circumferential scoring and incidental wear on the shaft either side of, and immediately adjacent to, the flag.

Thanks...wlw