An aquaintance of mine has in his family two keys reputed to be the originals from the Little White Schoolhouse / Birthplace of the Republican Party in Ripon, Wisconsin.
Out of interest for the potentially great historical and real value of these items, I have taken a few photos and am looking for informed suggestions as to what proof we might find as to the origin of these two lovely brass keys.
I noticed three “makers marks” or sets of initials on the smaller key and tried with my little digital pocket camera to document these marks.
What do these initials indicate? Are they trademarks of the locksmith? If so, would it make sense then to search area city directories circa 1850-1900 to see if a local locksmith has matching initials? Were they perhaps otherwise the owners initials or something else?
I have tried with the slightly out of focus close-ups to make a few digital adjustments for legibility and also made an image highlighting the apparent marks.
If ANYONE might have keys with matching marks, information on the origin or general suggestions for using these marks to collect further information, please respond.
Two sets of marks seem to represent the initials “OC” and a third set, seemingly earlier as it is overstruck at the edge by the middle “OC” set, seems to be “FP” or perhaps “EP.”
Please see what you can make of these keys and provide any guesses as to approximate age or source. The larger key is approx. 6 inches length.
Vance Pollock
Asheville, NC
