Posted 8 years ago
chacsgw
(1 item)
Hello,
I just found out this antique key in a family member's house. Anyone has any information regarding?
I think its made out of gold and looks to me like it opened a safety deposit box somewhere!
Thanks :)
Maybe a jewelry box, or better yet a treasure chest! Wouldn't that be great!
Nice key chacsgw!
I forgot to ask, whats the writing say?
Looks like it also be a Liquor Cabinet Key? I too want to se closeup of what is written on key.
I see the gold stamp on it. I think this might be a memento of some sort. Nobody that I can imagine would have a solid gold key that actually opened something. The metal would be too soft and would be ruined by continual use.
How big is it and what's written on it? What numbers are inside that small stamp?
Solid gold no but 14k Yes, I have had many 14k gold Keys for jewelry boxes, cigar boxes, liquor caddy, it would be for something small not a huge furniture piece. I like efesgirl and pops52 want closeup of writing?? Got Us curious! lol
Hi! The gold stamp says its 750, I think thats 18K gold. And the writing says Manuel Cabrera, which was my family member's name, the owner of the key.
It has a mechanism (I don't know the purpose)
It measures about 4.5 cm, weights 12 grams and it was found in this leather wallet. (see photo)
It also has engraved what I think is the number 239 and some initials like ADM but it is not clear.
Hi, check out this link
http://www.jewelrynotes.com/what-does-a-925-mark-mean-when-stamped-on-gold-jewelry/
750 is the continental mark for 18K, so this key wasn't made in the states.
What do you mean, it has a mechanism?
The initials would be that of the goldsmith.
Im with Efesgirl, Your killing Us, what Mechanism, explain!! his is getting Kewl!! LOL
I think the only way you are going to find out what this key is for is through your own family members. We can tell you it's a key and it's gold, but I really don't think any of us can say for certain what kind of lock it opens. The shape of the key really doesn't say too much about the lock mechanism. Is there any visible wear on the end of the key? Does it look like it was used to open a lock?
Is the grip spring-loaded? When you pull it out and turn it does it go all the way around or stop rotating at some point? Does that change the depth of the hole in the end of the key?
Hi again! Thanks everyone for your comments, I really appreciate the interest. Yes UncleRon, the grip is spring loaded. I can pull it out with the handle and it stops rotating at 180 degrees. It sure changes the depth of the hole. I imagine it is to open the handle and insert for example the strap for the leather jacket. Is there any other use in that?
Efesgirl, the key really doesnt look lile it was used to open a lock, I mean i dont see it worn or scratched.
I've seen similar, but cheaply made, keys that were simply key rings. Pull out the grip and rotate it to access the split, and clip other keys onto it. Then turn the grip back to prevent them from coming off. I've never seen one made of gold though.
In light of what UncleRon said and the fact it's 18k gold, I still think it's a memento of some sort. Maybe your uncle had gold melted down and had this key ring made for himself but without the intention of ever hanging keys from it. Metal keys would have damaged the gold.