Can anyone guesstimate the age of these keys?

[BostonMike]

For an old Master Lock. These didn't come out of the ground, but from an old building built in the 20's that was being destroyed that i got to go through. I got quite a few relics and coins from the basement behind equipment that hasn't moved since it was installed.

 

[Saddletramp]

I believe the Lion head Lock and Lion keys were mfg. between 1921-1933.

\History:
In 1919, locksmith and inventor Harry Soref had a thought: if bank vault doors and battle ships were built in laminated layers of steel for greater strength, why not make padlocks the same way?

At this time most padlocks were hollow and could be easily broken by a hammer or similar physical abuse.

It was originally Harry's idea to sell this improved padlock to a hardware manufacturing company. However, the number of parts and production steps needed in the original designs and prototypes appalled the engineers, patent attorneys and manufacturers that he showed. None of these old time lock or hardware companies wanted any part of Harry's revolutionary idea.

He took the rejection of his product in stride, still firmly believing his laminated padlock was superior and could be efficiently manufactured. In 1921, Harry founded the Master Lock Company with financial backing from his two friends, P.E. Yolles and Sam Stahl. By 1924, he had invented and patented the first laminated padlock.

 

[spittfire]

I believe the Lion head Lock and Lion keys were mfg. between 1921-1933.

\History:
In 1919, locksmith and inventor Harry Soref had a thought: if bank vault doors and battle ships were built in laminated layers of steel for greater strength, why not make padlocks the same way?

At this time most padlocks were hollow and could be easily broken by a hammer or similar physical abuse.

It was originally Harry's idea to sell this improved padlock to a hardware manufacturing company. However, the number of parts and production steps needed in the original designs and prototypes appalled the engineers, patent attorneys and manufacturers that he showed. None of these old time lock or hardware companies wanted any part of Harry's revolutionary idea.

He took the rejection of his product in stride, still firmly believing his laminated padlock was superior and could be efficiently manufactured. In 1921, Harry founded the Master Lock Company with financial backing from his two friends, P.E. Yolles and Sam Stahl. By 1924, he had invented and patented the first laminated padlock.

That was cool, thanks!

 

[BostonMike]

I believe the Lion head Lock and Lion keys were mfg. between 1921-1933.

Wow, I didn't think they were that old. I wish i found the lock that went with them but the keys looked like that hadn't moved from the spot i found them in a LONG time

 

[BostonMike]

Interesting observation

These keys, about 70-80 years old....still fit into modern Master Locks! Obviously they don't open it, but i find that cool!

 

[Gramps]

I have a key shop and these keys come in to be copied occasionaly so the locks are still being used regularly. Gramps

 

[TNCSHOOTER]

Wow, I found a key exactly like that no more than 3 hours ago... strange.... but cool. Didn't realize they were that old though. I'll try and get a pic