Brass and steel barrel key identification

bbcci

Here is an interesting looking key I am unfamiliar with. Wondering if anyone can add a little light to it? A google on ADT come up with ‘American District Telegraph’ which started in late 1800’s before incorporating into Western Union in the early 1900’s. Perhaps it was for a company safe or vault. Any info appreciated, thank you. Bill

(Permission to post these pictures here has been granted by owner)

Tom Gordon

There is something to the left of “ADT” I think it may be AD&T, who do alarms. It looks like a specialist industrial key to me , probably key retaining and definitely interesting. It may be something to do with an early alarm though.

bbcci

Thank you Tom,
I was picturing the numbers around the base of the bow as part of a multi step insertion process for the key. I had not thought of them being used for multiple position settings. I think you are closer to the target than me, the mark left of the A does resemble an older style @.

Input always welcome / and twice appreciated…..
Bill

Dean Nickel

That is a switch key. For turning on or off a contact in a rounds type thing.

bbcci

I found this after a little more digging.

’ADT Security was first called The American District Telegraph (ADT) Company. It was established in 1874 with the installation of telegraphic call boxes in the homes or offices of subscribers.
The call box brought a messenger to the subscriber’s premises to collect a message to be sent by telegraph. Messengers often performed other errands too. This service was soon refined to a security service and ADT Fire & Security was born. This subsequently lead to the development of ADT security alarm systems.'

I think after Dean’s addition, (thank you sir) - It might be a station or call box key. The earliest boxes all seem to have a permenant hand crank to dial in the sending codes. I would guess this to be a little later of date, and/or made for a more authoritative box location or controler.