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submitted 3 weeks ago* (last edited 3 weeks ago) by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

Its from a 1890s secretary drawer. The shape is reminiscent of a warded key, except it has this pin at the top that I have never seen in a lock. The key would have to have a corresponding hole, which no modern warded key I know of has.

Where can I get a key like this and what is it called?

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[-] [email protected] 14 points 3 weeks ago

Looking closely at the photo, it looks like the pin at the top has been sheared off and might be part of the key that got stuck in the lock.

[-] [email protected] 2 points 3 weeks ago

I don't think it is, the secretary has other key holes with the same pin. The only difference is that this one also has this warded-lock-type shape

[-] [email protected] 6 points 3 weeks ago


Yup something a bit like this! Don't know how they're called though...
Maybe in an antiques shop?

[-] [email protected] 3 points 3 weeks ago

There are keys with hollow ends/barrels. It looks like that could be the case.

[-] [email protected] 3 points 3 weeks ago

I have seen this type of key on older furniture, but they usually have the "archetypal" key hole shape. This one seems to have some added security and looks like one of those warded keys. I have yet to find warded keys of this shape with a hollow tip

[-] [email protected] 3 points 3 weeks ago

Looks designed to make it harder to pick by not letting you get tools in there easily.

[-] [email protected] 2 points 3 weeks ago

It's a pop top.

[-] [email protected] 0 points 3 weeks ago
this post was submitted on 29 Aug 2025
45 points (95.9% liked)

What is this thing?

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