Since one key can’t open all of the locks in the world, there were different kinds of designs for different types of locks. The design could consist of engravings in the form of words, letters, the manufacturer’s name, numbers, or even some sort of image. Skeleton keys come in all shapes, sizes, and designs. To identify a skeleton key, you’ll need to look at its design, material, size, and key bow. Antique Skeleton Key IdentificationĪntique skeleton keys can be anywhere from 200 to 90 years old, although most are from the 1940s. They still produce locks and hardware, including keys, and are owned by Assa Abloy AB. CorbinĬorbin Russwin was a later version of the Russel & Erwin company. While they don’t make skeleton keys any longer, you may find some of their antique keys from the early or mid-1900s.

Over the years it was bought out and merged with other companies various times, forming the American Hardware Association, Russwin, a part of Black and Decker, and, most currently, being acquired by Assa Abloy AB. The Russel & Erwin Manufacturing Company began making padlocks and door hardware in 1839. You can still find some of their old skeleton keys in auction markets and antique stores today. Beginning as a hardware company, they focused highly on locks and door-related mechanisms. Sargent and Company was started by Joseph Sargent and his two brothers in New York City in the mid-1800s. Some of the most expensive antique skeleton keys will come from unknown sources.įrom the late 1800s into the turn of the century, however, some manufacturers began mass producing their own skeleton keys. Many early skeleton keys were created by artisan welders who worked on locks. Early Manufacturers of Antique Skeleton Keys These are valued higher and have a mysterious air about them that attracts collectors across the globe.Īlso Read Antique Flatware Value (Identification & Price Guides) 2. Regarding the latter, many antique skeleton keys have dark or intricate designs and are made of strong metals. People look for antique skeleton keys for two reasons: to open an antique piece of furniture that has been locked or to collect them. Out of this group, only skeleton keys and interchangeable keys can be used for multiple locks, although interchangeable keys are uncommon and include parts you can add on or take off. Nowadays, many people confuse skeleton keys with a bit, barrel, interchangeable, or sewing machine keys. They may also be referred to as master keys or pass keys. Most antique skeleton keys are from the early 20 th century. More modern skeleton keys might even be designed to fit many locks from the get-go, avoiding the need to file them down.

This leaves a cylindrical key bow with one or two rectangular teeth.īy leaving the “skeleton” of the original key, you’re left with a key that can open more than one lock, including warded locks and lever locks. Skeleton keys are keys that have had the serrated edge filed away, leaving them at their most basic form. It didn’t take long for people to realize that having many keys together wasn’t as convenient as having a master key, or one that opens all – thus, the idea of skeleton keys was born. By the year 900, locks were created from metal combined with new metal keys.Ī key can open a locking mechanism on chests, doors, drawers, and other pieces of furniture. They were initially made of wood, very heavy, and easily broken.