Skeleton Key to My Heart

There is a certain mystery surrounding an antique key: Who owned it?  What was it used for?  What kind of valuables did it keep locked away, safe and sound?  There is nothing more exciting about collecting something antique than the mystery of wondering about its past – especially when it comes to skeleton keys!  Although keys have always been a popular staple in the collectibles marketplace for years, they have recently gained more notoriety with the new celebrity trend of wearing them as pendant necklaces.  Whether you are collecting them to add to your funky jewelry collection, or making skeleton key collecting your new full-time hobby, collecting antique keys can be a fun and inexpensive pastime!

So, What is a Skeleton Key?
(courtesy of http://www.ask.com/wiki/Key_(lock)#Skeleton_key)

A skeleton key (or passkey) is a very simple design of key which usually has a cylindrical shaft (sometimes called a shank) and a single, minimal flat, rectangular tooth or bit. Skeleton keys are also usually distinguished by their bow, or the part one would grasp when inserting the key, which can be either very plain or extremely ornate.

A skeleton key is designed to circumvent the wards in warded locks. Warded locks and their keys provide minimal security and only a slight deterrent as any key with a shaft and tooth that has the same or smaller dimensions will open the lock. However, warded keys were designed to only fit a matching lock and the skeleton key would often fit many. Many other objects which can fit into the lock may also be able to open it. Due to its limited usefulness, this type of lock fell out of use after more complicated types became easier to manufacture.

In modern usage, the term "skeleton key" is often misapplied to ordinary bit keys and barrel keys, rather than the correct definition: a key, usually with minimal features, which can open all or most of a type of badly designed lock. Bit keys and barrel keys can be newly-minted (and sold by restoration hardware companies) or antiques. They were most popular in the late 1800s, although they continued to be used well into the 20th century and can still be found today in use, albeit in vintage homes and antique furniture. A bit key is distinguished from a barrel key in that a bit key usually has a solid shank, whereas a barrel shafted key can be made either by drilling out the shank from the bit end or by folding metal into a barrel shape when forging the key.

More about Skeleton Keys and Skeleton Key Variations
(courtesy of www.ehow.com)

Antique Skeleton Keys

Antique skeleton keys typically had a simple set of teeth called a bit, and a rounded bow used to both hold the key and also attach it to a key ring. Due to the wide use of very basic locks, when a simple skeleton bit is inserted into the lock, it would be enough to open it and all similar locks universally even though it was not specifically a key for that lock. Because of the popularity of early lock types and the technology of the time, these master keys became popular. There is nothing special about skeleton keys, however, as many other items could also open these locks if shaped similarly to a common bit.

Master Keys

Master keys are the skeleton key of modern physical locks, and because of their versatility, they are capable of opening any lock in a series or specific location. Many locksmiths, homeowners and business owners with multiple locks use master keys to some extent. Although the historical term of skeleton key isn't completely accurate for these modern keys, the fact that a single key opens multiple locks is similar enough to apply the term.

Design

Skeleton keys came into fashion at a time when ornamental metal work was very popular. For this reason, many antique skeleton keys have very elaborate end bows with ornamental designs and decorative flourishes. Designs included the use of artistic leaves, lattices, crests, seals and fleur-de-lis. Today, many old skeleton keys are used as decorative pieces as wall ornaments or adapted into furniture like drawer pulls.

Modern Keys

Modern skeleton keys have emerged for the technical age. Key cards, like the types used in hotels, are in wide spread use. Maids in hotels often have passkeys to all guest room, as do most maintenance workers. In business, these all-access keys are handled similarly with access to certain areas available to select cardholders, but not all. Owners and executives often have complete access to all locks.

Tips for Collecting Skeleton Keys

Organize your collection before you begin collecting.  This may seem like a silly thing to say, but thinking about what kinds of keys you want to collect can help you establish a theme for your collection.  It is easier to stick with the hobby of collecting if there is some sort of direction you are going in with your antique pieces.  Do you want to collect by time period produced?  Do you only want to collect ornate pieces?  Bronze keys?  Gold keys?  If you are collecting the keys for your jewelry collection, you definitely want to keep your personal preferences in mind!

Get involved in the collectors’ community.  Join collectors’ associations online such as the American Lock Collectors to connect with people that share your passion of antique skeleton key collecting.  This can be a great way to learn more about your new hobby, find great places to buy skeleton keys, and stay informed about key shows and conventions that may be coming to your town.  Antique-locks.com is a great place to connect with fellow skeleton and antique key enthusiasts, also.

Check out your local antique, antique hardware, restoration and salvage shops when shopping for skeleton keys.  You never know where you could find the perfect key to add to your collection!  Also, check out estate sales, classifieds websites (such as the iTaggit classifieds section) and online auction websites such as eBay.com for unique finds.  If you are shopping around at an estate sale, don’t forget to check in trunks, old tins and jewelry boxes. Also, try opening old desks, secretaries and dresser drawers - stumbling on a single key or a ring of keys is part of the adventure of collecting them.

Skeleton Key Price Guide