Advert Description
Please feel free to make an offer. I'm here to sell as I need to downsize my collections.
An Unusual Large Antique Key which has a Secret Hiding place within it's hollow body. I suspect that it would have originally unlocked a large safe box. It looks like either a "2" or "S" depending on which way the key is.
Sadly the key is missing it's original end stopper dust cover, which would have fitted snuggly within the key concealing the secret inner hollow compartment. I've been hoping to find an old stopper but haven't found one yet. So the new owner can join the hunt.
I believe keys of this nature could have been used to transport & conceal anything which was small enough to hide within. A tiny love letter for example. In later years keys were also used by the SOE (Special Operations Executive) agents in WW2 to transport messages, micro-prints, micro-film, maps & small tools for the purpose of escape, evasion, sabotage & other Clandestine activity.
A very nice quality, weight & tactile too.
In expected used condition for a item of this age & nature.
Approx just under 5" long in total length. The inner hollow compartment is 1 3/3" deep & the internal diameter is approx 9mm.
It would make a great Film or TV Prop too even though it's the genuine key & not a modern reproduction or copy. I believe this one is likely to be early Georgian however it could have been used anytime after that date up until now.
Please study the images as they also form part of the description & please do your own research.
