Stepped Bramah type key?

DJStambo

Hi everyone,

Was wondering if anyone could give me some info on this key please. I’d like to know date, use and maker if possible. Unfortunately there are no markings on it.

Thanks

DJS

Paul Prescott

Bramah - most likely for one of the large order of customs seal padlocks they made in the 1800’s.

DJStambo

Thanks oldlock! I’m a collector of Bramah’s but this is my first one that is stepped so I wasn’t sure if was by a different maker.

Thanks

DJS

Paul Prescott

It’s not really a stepped key like a whitfield. The key support pin rather than being in the lock was pinned in the key to make the keys more durable for heavy use.

Very very very early Bramah keys were like that too (see the exhibition lock) but that is not what you have.

DJStambo

Thanks, I’ll take a look at the exhibition lock. I didn’t really know what other term to use apart from stepped… What is the correct description for this type of key?

Thanks

DJS

Huw Eastwood

When I stumbled across this one a while back my eyes popped out on stalks upon seeing the end-pin combined in a solid gold key.

Turns out it’s one of Sampson Mordan’s gold propelling pencils hallmarked 1874, not quite what I thought but still a beautiful piece nonetheless.

DJStambo

That’s a beautiful thing right there Huw.

I’ve actually seen a couple of Sampson Morgan retractable pencils with a Bramah end like that before hence why I was asking people’s opinion on the origins of the key I posted.

Thanks

DJS

Warren63

A Whitfield stepped key (mappins patent) and three others bramah types I know nothing about if anybody could enlighten me please?

Billy B Edwards Jr. CML

DJStambo wrote
Thanks, I’ll take a look at the exhibition lock. I didn’t really know what other term to use apart from stepped… What is the correct description for this type of key?

Thanks

DJS

Would a more appropriate term be a ‘pinned Bramah Key’?
BBE.

[unknown]

Paul Prescott

Two of the three are generally known as Bramah-Chubb keys. Nothing to do with either Bramah or Chubb though. European safe or safe deposit keys. Lots of different companies made them.

DJStambo

Makes more sense BBE, thanks.

DJS