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Antique Keys

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Colorado Springs Antique Keys

Colorado Springs, Colorado has always been a place of upper class citizens. During the 1800s, many of these citizens discovered that single sided keys were extremely easy for thieves to open. Because of this, the most common antique keys found in Colorado Springs are double-sided keys, which provided wealthy citizens with much needed security for their valuable possessions. Most keys are found on antique furniture such as desks and jewelry cases.

A double-sided key has two independent sets of teeth. Fashioning a lock for this type of key was difficult for locksmiths. An adjusting barrel inside the lock and an intricate tooth pattern on the key had to work in unison to open the lock. This factor poses a distinct problem for locksmiths today, especially if the collector does not have the original key for the lock.

The condition of the lock and key are important factors when purchasing items containing locksets. In some cases, there isn’t a key available and one must be fashioned for the lock. Other times, the key is so worn that it is impossible to re-minted, even by the most experienced locksmith.

In general, a locksmith with over 20 years experience will be able to craft a new key or re-mint an existing key to make the lock functional again. Locksmiths with less experience may inadvertently damage the locking mechanism or key causing the set to lose function.

Before handing over your lockset, find out if the locksmith is bonded and insured and ask about his experience with antique keys. Such precautions will help protect the investment.

You may find antique keys services in the following locations: