Posted 10 years ago
TheBean
(1 item)
I found this key behind a coat rack that was mounted on my wall. The coat rack has been there since 1929 when the house was built in Dover, NH. The key is imprinted with the words "YALE CORRUGATED" on one side and "STAMFORD-YALE & TOWN-CONN. USA-878" on the other side. Does anyone know how old this key may be?
I have a similar key but not quite as ornate as yours. I found it in an old wardrobe trunk I bought. Mine says "BRIGGS STRATTON" on one side and "EDDIE'S 313 MAIN" on the other, with the number 17 stamped below that.
I've always presumed that it was the key for a storage locker (#17) somewhere - like the sort they used to have in train and bus stations. I ponder whether the locker is still out there unopened after all these years waiting for someone to claim it! But unlikely since they had master keys for those lockers and specific times posted for usage after which time the contents would be forfeited.
I don't know how old your key is but I wouldn't be surprised if it was used for a public storage locker as well - locker #878, close to the 5-cent popcorn vending machine at the east end of the station where the smoke & pipe shop is - let us know what you find inside!
I have an identical key that I just recently found at the Goodwill "bin store" in Milwaukie, Oregon. My key has the number 1892.
Since this post is from 4 years ago, I would love to hear more about what you found, if anything about the key!
I found one at a estate sale and the number 535 has anyone found what these keys are to
My locksmith friend says it's a Clover Trefoil Key made from about 1890 til about 1930 Used on padlocks, door locks etc.
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