SKELETON KEY FOLDING KNIFE

[PCwizard]

Wow, Now this is different. I don't know if this was custom or made by a company.
A folding knife handle with blades that are really skeleton keys.
This is wonderful, what would be the value of something like this ??
Anyone have any more info on this type of folder ??

The must have monster is taunting me right now

https://www.ebay.com/itm/ANTIQUE-RARE-B ... 1438.l2649

,

[kootenay joe]

I have this knife on my watch list too. The 'keys' look like they might be too thick for a modern door lock ?
Would be helpful to hear from a locksmith to confirm that these tools are indeed keys.
kj

[americanedgetech]

My guess is they fit an old school Police call box/Fire box.
That said I will venture that only a few local cops had them made (New York, Chicago) and the knife maker may have records.
I think they stopped using those call boxes in the '70s so it may be easy to trace.

My second thought is a Train door key from a conductor/engineer.
Both keys are very basic so they were not for a complex lock... (the stop tangs indicate they are keys) Just something to keep honest people out.

Who made the knife? That is where I would begin.

[kootenay joe]

Interesting. I have never seen a Police Call Box.
kj

[mrwatch]

In a former life I was a locksmith. I have several folding skeleton keys found at antique shows. The reason said was for the heavy thick doors with the lock on the back it allowed a long key to fit in your pocket. It may be rail road but most all had the company initials on their keys and padlocks as well as about all tools lanterns etc. More than likely a customer special order. Bob

[americanedgetech]

There used to be one on every corner of a city block. They were basically used before or walkie talkies/2 way radios. "Beat cops" used them constantly to check in or to call for help/report fires so I can see a long time cop on the block having a knife such as that made. It would get a lot of use like a cigarette lighter or a pocket watch.

There were still neighborhoods that used them into the early 70's in NYC.

The conductor key come in because I had a buddy whos father was a conductor, and he would take us on tours of Grand Central in all the cool places. I remember the train door key as being similar... Like a jail door key but smaller.

I saw your post before I posted mine Bob.
I completely agree that it was a custom order. That's why I fall in for the beat cop idea, and the call box. I would have to think that a couple of guys had them made at or about the same time.

With all the cutlers in NY or Chicago, ect... It would be easy to stop in a shop, and have the set made

[XX Case XX]

They have a similarity to Jail or Prison cell door keys, just a bit smaller. Could be for a County or City Jail. A little small but it's possible.

____________
Mike

[americanedgetech]

I'm thinking that IF they were jail or prison door keys that I would be home posting, and ummmm, not sitting in that rinky-dink jail...

Did I say too much there?

[deo-pa]

I've also been curious so I sent a message to this skeleton key guru on ebay asking if he could shed any light on this "knife."

https://www.ebay.com/sch/antiquezar/m.h ... 7675.l2562

Maybe he will respond with some more info.

Dennis

[deo-pa]

Here is what the key collector on ebay had to say:

"Very interesting. I've never seen a key knife. I speculate it was originally a knife blade that was converted to a key? I say this because the left side of the body seems to extend further than the end of the key. I believe if it was made for a key, it would be shorter (fit) better. There are actually key with that bit cut. I believe they were for padlocks. I will say the bit cuts on the keys are very simple, being very uniform, not what you would expect for a secure lock. It may have been for a industrial machine or lock. Let me know if you find out for sure."

I tend not to think these were knife blades converted to keys because it seems the metal on what would have been the blade edge is too thick. In addition the overall shape of the blade and the absence of any tang stamp suggests custom construction. Does the fish-shaped shield ring any bells about a possible maker? I guess the mystery continues.

Dennis

[mrwatch]

[quote="deo-pa"]I've also been curious so I sent a message to this skeleton key guru on ebay asking if he could shed any light on this "knife."

[url]https://www.ebay.com/sch/antiquezar/m.h ... 7675.l2562[/

thanks for the link as I was able to ID one of mine. How ever I do not think I will pay $1, 500 to $2,500 for a key no matter how rare. By the way where did the listing/term as " steam Punk" come from?

[deo-pa]

Per Wikipedia:

Steampunk is a sub-genre of science fiction or science fantasy that incorporates technology and aesthetic designs inspired by 19th-century industrial steam-powered machinery. Although its literary origins are sometimes associated with the cyberpunk genre, steampunk works are often set in an alternative history of the 19th century's British Victorian era or American "Wild West", in a future during which steam power has maintained mainstream usage, or in a fantasy world that similarly employs steam power.

Think of the villain in the movie "Wild Wild West."

Dennis

[btrwtr]

Very interesting piece. I would not doubt that it is a one of a kind custom piece that was made to be used at the time it was customized. The cuts for the key teeth are irregular and look to be hand filed. Someone with a need and some talent may have initiated this piece for their personal use. I doubt it was actually a production item but who knows.

I don't think the keys started out as blades. There is no evidence of a shoulder grind, tang or bevel to the keys that would suggest an edge.

[glennbad]

This was discussed on facebook also. I thought they might be wire strippers, but someone else said it was a glass cutter

[jerryd6818]

What ever it is, I think it's neat but not worth $137.50 or what ever the final price is.

[Mumbleypeg]

Sure looks like glass cutters to me.

Ken

[Gunsil]

The glass cutter you show will be rather thick, much thicker than the "blades" on the knife in question. If you have ever cut glass you would realize that the thinner would not work. I have seen folding knives with glass cutters but they always have the little glass cutting wheel on them and never the cut-outs of the regular glass cutter you show. Knife is factory made, and I do believe the "blades" are keys and I don't think anybody here has hit the nail on the head for original use yet. I think it is older than the police call boxes.

[americanedgetech]

100% agree that they are not glass cutter notches. There are only a few common sizes (3-4), and repeating the size has no practical use.
They are certainly keys.

Cops, Trains, or perhaps for a night watchman's clock. They carried a clock that had to be time stamped at the location of other clocks around the facility they were watching.
They had a few moments to turn their lock, and turn the location lock to verify where they were, and when.
Same applies for old time Railroad Security... clock, and station.

Here are some fire alarm box keys as well...

[gsmith7158]

All right, $212! Who got it and just what do you plan to open with it?

[peanut740]

The shield tells me the knife or the frame at least was made by New York Knife Co.

[Shearer]

All right, $212! Who got it and just what do you plan to open with it?

A lock
I did not buy it. I could not help myself,I just had to answer your question.

Grant

[gsmith7158]

Haha! Grant a very good answer. Judging from the sales price someone must suspect that those are the master keys to the leading brand of chastity belts in the 1890's.

[americanedgetech]

1890's...??? I wouldn't open them. No sir, no way!

[FRJ]

I think it's a very inventive way to keep keys that one would often use. I think these keys were privately made with the help of a cutler for the convenience of private security. A gate keeper perhaps at a wealthy estate or some sort of security person for a wealthy family.
Or just some thoughtful ingenious person taking care of personal property. Back in the day.
I liked it, I watched it.

[espn77]

If it would have had anything to do with Remington I would be the proud owner. I think it's pretty cool. Go get another one.