keil model 6 1/2

genius954

what is the average value on this keil 6 ½ and any info on this machine?

Thanks

genius954

keil model 6 ½

Pschiffe

Attached is a catalog description of the Keil Nos. 6 and 6-½ from a 1960s distributor catalog. Although long discontinued, the “turret” machine is favored by some locksmiths for cutting flat steel and bit keys. I’ve seen them selling for as much as $500 in good working condition. Your’s looks pretty rough and would require a major rebuilding effort. Since parts are no longer extant, the services of a good machinist would likely be required to complete the task. The identical machine was also sold under the Ilco marque who aquired Keil back in the 1930s.

Pete Schifferli

Ian D. Lewis

Green wrinkle and other wrinkle paints were so popular in the 60’s and 70’s for its supposed scratch resisting qualities.

Securityman

I have a Keil #0 model key machine that I am trying to get info on. It is in great condition.

Pschiffe

Securityman wrote
I have a Keil #0 model key machine that I am trying to get info on. It is in great condition.

Francis Keil & Son, Inc. of New York City was founded in 1876. Ilco acquired this firm in the 1930s, closed the NY plant in the 1950s and moved its facilities to Charlestown, NH where it became Keil Lock Co., Inc. In 1974 the Indedendent Lock Co. (Ilco) of Fitchburg, MA and Keil Lock Co. of Charlestown, NY were both closed and moved to a new facility in Rocky Mount, NC. Interestingly, both Keil locations offered slightly different versions of the #0 key machine; which has been described as “the first semi-automatic machine”. It could be operated by hand or motor driven and duplicate either cylinder or flat keys by changing the cutter.* In later years certain identical models, but not #0; were sold under both the Keil and Ilco marques. See thumbnails attached, Keil NY is on the left; Keil NH on the right.

*adapted from Locks and Lockmakers of America by the late Thomas F. Hennessy and Simon-Says website by Laurence (Laurie) Simon.

Pete Schifferli

[unknown]

Securityman

Thanks for the info on the Keil machine. Any idea as to the year of manufacture? It is the one shown in B&W in your attachments.

Pschiffe

Securityman wrote
Thanks for the info on the Keil machine. Any idea as to the year of manufacture? It is the one shown in B&W in your attachments.

If Keil NY likely 1920s-1940s. The carriage of this machine was under spring tension against the cutter while the left hand wheel was apparently turned to advance the blank and original key from right to left, thus the designation as the first semi-automatic. The original Keil No. 9 rotary file for cylinder keys can be replaced by Ilco No. 9RF, while the original Keil No. 24 flat slotter can be replaced by Ilco No. 11FS; both of which are still available from locksmith suppliers.

Pete Schifferli

[unknown]

Securityman

Pschiffe wrote
If Keil NY likely 1920s-1940s. The carriage of this machine was under spring tension against the cutter while the left hand wheel was apparently turned to advance the blank and original key from right to left, thus the designation as the first semi-automatic. The original Keil No. 9 rotary file for cylinder keys can be replaced by Ilco No. 9RF, while the original Keil No. 24 flat slotter can be replaced by Ilco No. 11FS; both of which are still available from locksmith suppliers.

Pete Schifferli

The unit is a New York machine with the No. 9 blade (in not so bad condition). Thanks again

[unknown]