Eagle Lock double dolphin head keys

christiaens

I have several double dolphin head keys. More uncommon in this catagory are ones with a flat bit as opposed to the usual tubular bit. I have two of this type.

I understand that it is unlikely that the code stamped on the bit may have anything to do with when they were made, but is there any way to tell what the intended application was?

Both are stamped Eagle Lock Co Terryville, CT. The first is stamped 14CQ1 and is punched for the lock on one side of the bit only. It is 2 ½ inches long, tip to tip. The other is slightly longer at 2 13/16in and is stamped 74KJA12. This bit is punched identically on both sides of the bit. Is that so the key can be inserted in the lock either way? The second key happens to work in an Edison Amberola 1A cylinder player cabinet. I have not found anything that the first key works in yet.

oldbiscuit

The key with the cuts on both sides would have fit a warded lock where as the key with the cuts on one side only was for a lever lock. More than likely both keys were for a cabinet or side board of some kind. Pretty keys, nice to have in a collection. Mark

christiaens

Thanks, Mark.

Mike

Pschiffe

I have a pdf copy of Eagle Lock Co. Catalog No. 52 c.1938, see image attached. Similar blanks appear on page 337 thus I believe it may be assumed that yours are from that era. The Eagle Lock Co. was formed in 1854 and closed in 1975.

Pete Schifferli

christiaens

It sure looks that is the right style key. Thank you very much, Pete.

In my case, since the double cut key fits an item that was extant in 1912, I suspect that the blank you cite may have been around much earlier too. As a phonograph collector, I know that other types dolphin keys [tubular bit type for a lever lock] happen to fit other Edison machines from the same time period as the Edison machine that I have.

Mike

Billy B Edwards Jr. CML

The stamping on the keys are the reference code that could be used to order additional keys. They relate to a code listing at the manufacturer or at a locksmith.
BBE.

Pschiffe

BBE wrote
The stamping on the keys are the reference code that could be used to order additional keys. They relate to a code listing at the manufacturer or at a locksmith.
BBE.

I recall hearing that all the old Eagle Lock Co. codes were destroyed when they went out-of-business c.1975.

Pete Schifferli

[unknown]

Parautoptic

The double sided key appears to have been centre-punched twice on one of the bit steps. Perhaps the step was cut a fraction too deep and then the punch used to spread the metal a little?

Well done to the unknown hero of yesteryear!

Dean Nickel

Pschiffe wrote
I recall hearing that all the old Eagle Lock Co. codes were destroyed when they went out-of-business c.1975.

Pete Schifferli

Like so many code series that we now have in our databases, locksmiths collect together decoded information and give them to a few that compile them together, Mr Reed was one of the first to do this on a large scale. Yes it is MUCH better to get it from the lock maker but it isn’t how we got most of what we have. Eagle is just one example.

[unknown]

Billy B Edwards Jr. CML

Pschiffe wrote
I recall hearing that all the old Eagle Lock Co. codes were destroyed when they went out-of-business c.1975.

Pete Schifferli

Many of the code records were destroyed but in a visit to Lori shortly after the Eagle sale there were copies of many different codes there because Lori purchased tooling for some locks and the codes came with the tools. I believe I saw some codes at the Terryville museum in the locked room in the basement also.

Anyway, the OP asked what the markings were for and that is what I answered.
BBE.

[unknown]