Key identification

djanis

I picked this key up at an estate sale. I was there to buy, and honestly did not really look at it before I bought it. I assumed it was ornamental or decorative, or perhaps some sort of clock-winding key. I obviously am not a knowledgeable key collector, thus I bring it here for identification.

I hadn’t thought much about it until I showed my stepfather that day’s finds, and he immediately said, “It’s a ‘Key to the City,’ very popular in Europe.” Knowing that the previous owner had many items from Europe, I was intrigued. We looked it over and found the markings you can see in the second picture.

At this point, I haven’t any idea what this key is, if anything. I have looked at surely thousands of pictures of keys of all types, and I have been unable to find anything that resembles it at all.

Any thoughts, please share?

If more information or photographs are needed, I will provide what I’m able to.

Paul Prescott

A photo of the other side would make sure, but at this moment in time I would say it’s not a real key. IE it’s a decorators / fantasy item that never fitted a lock.

Dean Nickel

Then we agree with him in that it is a “Key to the City” or presentation key. The language on the side might tell you what area to look.

Paul Prescott

I don’t think it’s either, it’s either a really primitive key from Africa or India or it’s a fantasy item.

djanis

Here is a picture of the other side.

Gerry

maybe it was not a key but a tool,
the handle looks as if it is for pulling

djanis

Thanks for your opinions thusfar, it’s much appreciated.

I guess my confusion stems from this: no matter what it is, why can’t I find any others like it?

My current theory is that it is a mid-century item made for the tourist industry in Europe.

As for it being a “tool” rather than a key, that’s interesting indeed. The closest match I’ve been able to find is a “manhole cover key,” which shares the t-shaped handle feature.

yaxley

There is a ‘Treasure’ forum and they have a section where you can post a “what is it.” Might be worth a shot and if you do get an answer please post here because I’m also very curious. I’m new here and don’t see a way to post the link, so you’ll have to cut and paste. http://www.findmall.com/list.php?40

yaxley

Oh well, can’t edit the post but the link can be clicked on. Guess it recognized the url format.

yaxley

Here are two more: http://www.treasurehunterforum.net/ http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/forum.php

Paul Prescott

I think on balance that Gerry may well be right, the key is too crude in the shaft shape for a real lock, but it may well be for some kind of hatch, or cover removal.

yaxley

Here’s a water meter key:

Richard Phillips

oldlock wrote
I don’t think it’s either, it’s either a really primitive key from Africa or India or it’s a fantasy item.

Agree with Mr Prescott - ‘interior decorative fantasy’, probably from a french model. Any small casting foundry could have made this. It doesn’t really look Indian to me, though.

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