Marley bros ltd

Warren63

Hi all, I’ve just got hold of this key and wondered if anyone knows anything about the company? All I’ve found so far is a tiny mention in the Gazetteer with an association of takeovers with Charles Smith and Tonks. Pictures are not the best as they’re taken by my tablet. One side says Marley Bros ltd Birmingham and the other says Servant Key Male Cells. I’m assuming that its a prison key but I’ve assumed wrongly many times so am always keen to learn. Thanks Mark.

mercury

I am unable to shed any light on the company, but I agree it is a key for prison locks & the possible link to Charles Smith makes sense when you look at the similarities between this key & a Charles Smith prison key of mine in this thread : http://www.antique-locks.com/showthread.php/2827-Charles-Smith-Sons-amp-Co-Birmingham?highlight=Charles+smith

…Mark

Warren63

Thanks for your reply Mark. I’ve looked at your key many times and envied you, it’s one of my favorites. Something I’ve just noticed about this one is all the text on it has been hand engraved, it’s only noticeable when looked at with a magnifying glass. What both keys have in common though are the borders around the text which possibly could suggest an association at some time. I like the patination on your Charles Smith key. I wondered if it was a finish which may have been added when made as I have a couple of chubbs that look the same. Eventually I’ll clean up the rust on mine and give it a buff on the polisher. Regards Mark.

mercury

I’m quite sure there is no coating, only patina on my Charles Smith key. It hasn’t even been buffed or polished. It is easier to see that in real life, I can understand how it looks like it could be a coating in the photographs. I really wish I knew more of the history behind it! In future, I to take better pictures of it when I have access to a quality camera.

I think ink the engravings on your key are justification enough to say it’s a prison key.

…Mark

Paul Prescott

Bear in mind the Victorian era saw massive expansion in the Police station network and every such station would have had a cell block & keys. The keys seem to have quite a high survival rate too.

BMLock

Ya its a prison key. It’s one of the ones used to open the old iron doors.

Best
Stanley

Warren63

Thanks for your contribution Stanley. I’ll post a picture once it’s cleaned up. Regards Mark

CityPro

Please let me know if you do find out. I always had a fascination about old Marley keys

Thanks
Mark