Another one for ya... it's a key, but to what?

[mattw]

I found the partial key at an 1860's house lot. It is about 5 inches long and is missing the part that works the lock. It appears to be either brass or copper. I am guessing maybe a railroad lock?

 

[GoGoGopher]

May be some sort of winder key???

HH,

 

[dave5710]

Is the straight end hollow?

 

[mattw]

Can't tell, if it was it has maybe got steel or brass bristles in it. The end looks broken, but it is extremely rough on the end, not like a break.

Matt

 

[Larry (IL)]

It is hard to tell without the "business" end but I'm sure it is not a RR key, they are usually quite sturdy and stubby.

 

[srf2112]

I have no idea what the key's to Matt but at 5" long ( without the end ) there may be a REALLY big lock there still waiting to be found.
HH
Scott

 

[mattw]

The site dates to the 1850's in our small town. I have found bits and parts of other things and if it was not such a nice yard there are a couple of other targets that I would love to really dig.

Matt

 

[Ant]

That's just an old skeleton key with the end snapped off, nothing special.

 

[Curt_in_W.Mass]

Was watching History channel last nite with program "Afraid of the Dark" and they were discussing about how in older times people "shut in" by locking all doors and shutters etc to keep all things evil outside at night,,,anyways it showed person locking door with huge key and narrator stated key was about 6 inches long...possible what you have left there..

 

[edjcox]

Your choice


Clock key check the end and see if it's square or octagonal inside



Window latch key....


Or for the macbre a coffin key....