14th century medieval key

icemandan · 2012-01-03T23:12:29+00:00

i guess i kinda know what this is, but if anyone can add anything please do. also i just had to show it. it’s 3 ¼″ (unfortunately the tip broke)

Chris Belcher

The key with the name stamped on it is suspicious. It does not make sense.

Brian Denyer

Chris, which key are you referring to?
I know some of the newer warded lever keys that are stamped with the manufacturers name on the keyhead portion.
There are a couple of newer Warded keys which I have that also have the
telephone number stamped on the keyhead.

One pictured key earlier in this thread has warding cuts up near the keybit.
Shaped like steps and cut into the keyshaft.
I found a few of those but not sure of the country of origin?

Brian ……………………….

Chris Belcher

This one
http://www.antique-locks.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=9214&d=1384287862&thumb=1

Chris Belcher

Follow up to my previous post.
The principle of how the key works and interacts with the levers is fairly straight forward. The bitting would indicate a reversible key for a 5 lever lock, yet there is no collar on the key stem and there does not appear to be any bullet warding to prevent the key from passing right through the lockcase. The cuts in the stem is a clever idea, one which I have never seen before.

Brian Denyer

I was wondering about that too?
It may be interesting to see the original lock for these keys.
Many questions are left unanswered about this design and it’s useage.

Brian …………………..

Chris Belcher

Hi Brian
I would like to propose the ideas that the levers interacting with the key stem would prevent a force attack on the bolt stump/fence via the keyway . To do this the levers have to be lifted to allow access to the talon , because there would be no cuts in the force tool, (unless there was prior knowledge) then the force tool would not be able to access the talon because the levers will not be raised enough for the tool to be rotated fully. Trying to force the bolt back is a known method of attack using a key. It would also prevent the use of a 2in one pick for the same reason.

Brian Denyer

Chris that is a great analysis.
It sure would require specialty picks?

I have seen some Institutional Locksmiths
with a series of picks made for their specific site locks.
If someone interacted on a daily basis with this type of lock
then some insights may be discovered ?
A Try-out set would most likele be made of original keys
fitted to the in between code cuts.

It is fascinating to think about.
The Black Museum at Scotland Yard has displys of Burglary Tools.
Quite innovative too.

Brian…………………………….

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