MY SEARCH FOR ANTIQUE KEYS
If antique keys could tell their stories they would be fascinating! I love finding them especially when the owner of a mom and pop antique store pulls out a dusty old box from the basement. I'm like a kid in a candy store. I get excited. I can't wait to get them home so I can bring them back to life. I carefully clean each key using a wire brush and distilled water to preserve patina and character. They are all unique and have a story to tell just like you and me!
In ancient times keys were a means to flaunt wealth. If you had a key it meant you were someone with property worth protecting.
Keys made prior to 1940 are considered antique and keys 1941-present are vintage. Another way to categorize the keys I work with are Georgian (1714-1830), Victorian (1837-1901) and Machine (1901-1940).
An antique key usually has three basic parts: the bow, the bit and the shank which connects the two.
Antique keys are commonly referred to as bit (solid shank) or barrel (hollow shank) keys.
What is a skeleton key? The term derives from the fact that the key has been reduced to its essential parts. However, the name often refers to any antique key.
Antique keys are collector's items and will only increase in value as they are kept in private collections and used in art projects for example. I price my necklaces based on materials used, the rarity of each key and my experiences in finding them.
