Any Ideas!!

Gaoler Jim

I recently found this key in Kent, whilst metal detecting.. and was wondering if anyone knew of the significance of the key having an hinge type barrel end, I’ve attached a picture

Paul Prescott

Its for a ‘ Solomon Henry ’ patent lock, patented in 1799 but made over a long period.

The example you have is fairly typical.

I may have some more info - I’ll have a look.

Gaoler Jim

Thanks for the speedy reply, was this a door lock or padlock key..?

Paul Prescott

Door lock, rim night latch function.

sparkyskey

Hi there - I have not been able to find much info on the internet for this type of key - most of the stuff I’ve found has been in books. However - a quick look at:

should sort out the basics for you. They do come up for sale on Ebay every few months. FYI single keys have gone for prices between 12-20 GB pounds over the last couple of years. Hope this helps - cheers Sparky

Brian Denyer

Hi Jim :

It is an antique US Patented key with a drop hinge
so when the key travels down the keyhole the beard
drops and activates the bolt.

Brian ……………………….

Richard Phillips

oldlock wrote
Its for a ‘ Solomon Henry ’ patent lock, patented in 1799 but made over a long period.

The example you have is fairly typical. .

Sad to say, keys are much more common than latches. Complete latches surviving in working order are quite uncommon now. There are normally 2 wards, but the number of differs is small. I have seen 2 different sizes of key, so that is another variation.

This was a key-operated development of the medieval ‘hatchet latch’ (from its shape), also known as a long latch.

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