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Antique Keys

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Birmingham Antique Keys

By the time Birmingham, Alabama was founded on June 1, 1871, using locks and keys to secure homes, belongings and valuables was commonplace. People realized the importance of protecting themselves and their possessions. The stealing and looting that took place during the Civil War also placed a fear of losing everything in Birmingham’s citizens.

Victorian keys are the most common type of antique key associated with Birmingham’s history. During barbeques and cotillions, host families found it necessary to lock certain rooms of the house, including the master bedroom, to prevent guests from entering them. Victorian keys and locks enabled them to do this as needed.

Not only were Victorian keys used to secure belongings, they were also a status symbol. Keys that were for upper class families have a very ornate section meant for a bow. The design on the bow often imitated ironwork on the exterior of the home. Lower class families had keys with very simple bow sections. The poorest families often had only a circle for the bow.

The basic design of the key is universal among the various classes. The shaft is long and the bit is very simple. In most cases, one key could open multiple locks, even locks in another home.

A qualified antique key specialist should be the only person to service antique locks on older homes and antiques. Many key specialists can re-mint, replace or restore antique keys and locks to their original condition. These specialists can be found at many antique stores, Birmingham antique key dealers, auction houses and locksmith stores.

You may find antique keys services in the following locations: