Posted 9 years ago
ahodd
(1 item)
I would appreciate any information or history regarding this key. It is approximately 4 1/2 inches by 1 1/4 inches.
Folding Key | ||
| Keys175 of 267 |  |  |
Folding Key | ||
| Keys175 of 267 | | |
Posted 9 years ago
ahodd
(1 item)
I would appreciate any information or history regarding this key. It is approximately 4 1/2 inches by 1 1/4 inches.
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This is "simply" a folding key. I say "simply" because this is a very old and unusual, and wonderful example of what would become a fairly common object. Very thick doors and thick locks mounted on the inner surface of the door require a long keys which were inconvenient to carry in one's pocket. Having it fold in half made it easier to carry. This one is probably early 19th century, possibly older. By the 1860s factory-made folding keys were common and employed a wide variety of designs. They were made into the 20th century by which time thinner doors and modern locks made them unnecessary.