Picked up a rusted old key at a yard sale in Tempe for a quarter.

It was in a box of junk last month, and I just cleaned it up enough to see a tiny '1923' stamped on the side. Now I'm trying to figure out what kind of door or box it might have opened, but there's no tag or anything. Anyone know a good way to research old keys like this?

3 comments

3 Comments

spencer7072mo ago

I had a weird skeleton key once and just posted a clear photo on a local history forum. Someone there recognized the maker's mark right away.

the_cora2mo ago

So you're telling me the secret to solving life's little mysteries is just... posting a blurry picture online and waiting? Next time I lose my car keys I'll just tweet a photo and hope some guy in Nebraska recognizes the Chevy logo.

grace5651mo ago

Honestly, posting a blurry picture is basically how I solve half my problems. Found a weird tool in my grandpa's garage, took a terrible photo, and some guy in a Facebook group named it in two minutes. For that key, a local history group or even a locksmith forum would probably have someone who knows their stuff. That 1923 stamp is a solid clue to start with.