Where to Find Skeleton Keys

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I have a handful of collected old skeleton keys. Maybe it’s their history of them. Something so special about old keys just speaks to my soul. It’s probably partly because of the beautiful shapes and designs along with the patina.

I have always had a fascination for old keys, especially skeleton keys. There is something so unique about them. When we bought our home that was Built-in 1880, we had the original doorknobs with the keyholes for that whole skeleton keys. But unfortunately, we do not have the original keys. I soon learned where to find skeleton keys.

Whenever I thrift or antique shop or go to antique fairs, I always look for antique keys. Of course, I always hoped to find ones that could work on my antique doorknobs. But, if anything, they are an excellent addition to my home decor.

An antique dresser, armoire, a trunk, a secretary desk, or an old doorknob has a lock with the original key. But over time, keys become lost, and more than likely, it would be hard to find one, especially vintage ones at an antique store to fit. However, replicas of skeleton keys can be purchased at your local hardware store or online.

Skeleton keys do exist

I was chatting with my friend’s father, who I got my secretary desk, and we talked about the history of the desk and how he was able to acquire it. I commented about the lock on the secretary’s desk, and I said I wish it still had the original key. Then he told me that I could probably find a skeleton key at our local hardware store. I didn’t even know that was a thing, and he also knew what kind of key for the lock. A hollow barrel skeleton key.

Before I knew it, I started searching for hollow barrel skeleton keys!

As I was doing my search for the hollow barrel skeleton keys, I came across a set of reproduction keys online. Even though I wasn’t sure if any of them would work, I took the chance. If they didn’t work, I would just add them to my collection of vintage keys.

Once the keys arrived, I started right away to see if any of them fit the secretary’s desk. Finally, I got a key into the lock, and it worked. I was elated!

Where to find old skeleton keys online?

If you had no luck at antique shops or garage sales, check out antique key collector websites. You may also have a chance at the library with pictures of antique keys to help you identify antique keys.

We have an armoire that came with a key but was lost during the move. So I took the set of keys to see if any of them fit, and one sure did! I was so excited!

What is a barrel skeleton key?

Skeleton Keys are bit and barrel keys used to open locks on antique furniture. There are three parts of a skeleton key: the bow, the barrel, and the bit. The barrel’s diameter and the cut and size are the most important items when matching a lock.

How do I know which skeleton key to purchase?

First, you will want to look at your lock to determine whether or not it has a pin showing in the keyhole. If so, measure the pin diameter. If your safety does not have a pin showing, select one of our solid shank keys with a bit size closest to the size of your keyhole.

Can you replace a skeleton key?

Bit and barrel keys are antiques; homeowners who move into older homes with missing skeleton keys may not realize they can be replaced. But don’t replace your antique locks just yet.

How can you tell how old a skeleton key is?

A few keys are stamped with a date, but this is uncommon. Most skeleton keys you find are early from the 1900s, but some are ancient. First, you will want to examine the key to determine whether it appears handmade or a true skeleton key. If it is not uniform or appears to be hand-worked, it could be an older example.

When were skeleton keys first used?

Keys and locks originated in ancient civilizations and date as far back as 4000 BC. Genuine antique skeleton keys are quite collectible, although their value varies wildly depending on their age, scarcity, embellishments or details, weight, shape, and size. However, they were first introduced to the public by Linus Yale, Sr, and Jr. in the mid-1800s. They continued to be used in houses until after WWII. 

Here are some creative ideas to display antique skeleton keys

• Display in a candy dish
• Fill a jar with them
• Display them on hooks
• Decorate a picture frame with them
• Turn them into jewelry
• Make a skeleton key wind chime or mobile
• Use as decorative ceiling fan pulls
• Display inside a lantern
• Make a keychain
• Use them as ornaments for a tree
• If you have an abundance of them, give them out as party favors

How do I identify an old key?

 If the key sticks to a magnet, it is most likely made of steel and iron. However, if you are unsure what kind of metal your key is made of, one of the easiest ways to find out is to hold a magnet to it. But if the key does not stick to a magnet, it is likely stainless steel or brass.

Are vintage keys worth anything?

I have found keys at antique stores & craft fairs for under $2 each. However, certain styles can be worth much more. For example, keys with fancy bows with interesting engravings or other unique features can be worth hundreds of dollars. Even more so if it has a fascinating history behind it.

Should you keep old keys?

If it were me, absolutely, I would keep the keys. However, if you want to part with them, you can pawn them or donate the keys to an antique store.

How do you clean antique keys?

1. Wipe off any dirt or debris covering the rusted/dirty keys.
2. Then, in a saucepan, add vinegar.
3. Heat the vinegar to just below a simmer. 
4. Place the keys in a bowl, then add the simmered vinegar in the bowl of keys.
5. Leave the keys in the vinegar for 2-3 minutes until you see their color begin to change.
6. Remove keys and rinse them thoroughly. This will stop the action of the acid. 
7. Dry thoroughly and then wipe them with rubbing alcohol. Buff dry.

Do you have a collection of skeleton keys? I would love to hear how you use them.

Until next time y’all!

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