Hi Nick:
You are welcome.
Can I assume this is not necessarily a railroad related item but can
be from any sort of facility that needed a night watchman?
**********Yes it was used by several private companies.
I believethe DETEX website shows some pictures of the watchclocks
and watch stations.
The key you have is usually made of brass, and perhaps has
been oxidized over the years to take on a dark patina.
A gentle SOS pad rubbing will bring out a series of patent
dates stamped on the key beard.
A light brushed high lighting will bring out the small star
on the roatating ball set into the keyhead.
Are there any links or publications for more info on this type of key?
******** I wrote and illustrated an article in The Ontario Locksmith
magazine a couple of years ago. The article can be scanned and sent
if you like.
My knowlege of computers is at the elementary level only.
So if you can send your e-mail I think the article can be sent
via internet.
Some of these keys are offered on Ebay, along with guess work
as to their true function. And even when some dealers are
informed of their origin they ignore the information and still claim
they are Hotel keys with the room numbers stamped on the key.
Brian …………………………………………………………………………..
