Some people collect antique keys because of their interesting architectural designs, and also because they look nice when grouped together. While others choose to collect old keys for a more practical reason - to use on old locks and doorknobs.
Before you start collecting antique keys, you must decide why you wish to collect them. Perhaps you want to collect them in order to make jewelry. You might want to collect old fashioned keys from a certain time period or region. Maybe you're just interested in learning the history of vintage keys.
No matter the reason why you want to collect antique keys, there are many places in which you can find them. Go to flea markets and you might be able to get them in bulk for a very low price. Find the nearest antique fair and you might purchase an especially rare key. Some junk shops and second-hand stores may also hold vintage keys. Typically, the less specialized a store, the less the key will sell for.
There are four common types of vintage keys: skeleton keys, barrel keys, flat keys, and corrugated keys. Skeleton keys are easy to collect since they are very common, and some skeleton keys can open multiple different locks and doorknobs. Barrel keys look similar to skeleton keys, but their shafts tend to be hollow unlike the shafts of skeleton keys. Flat keys are easy to duplicate and similar to corrugated keys. Corrugated keys are similar to flat keys, except they will only open one type of lock.
Most old fashioned keys are usually rather inexpensive, so you probably won't have trouble coming up with enough money to have a whole collection of them. You can purchase the average old skeleton key for less than $10 each. If you purchase old skeleton keys in bulk, you may get each one for $1. Since skeleton keys are so cheap, many people start their antique key collections by collecting skeleton keys.
Rarer keys may sell for $100 to $200, some going for as much as $1000. If you wish to purchase a really old key, especially if it is famous and has a documented history, you may have to pay thousands or even millions of dollars for it.
Currently, not too many people are collecting keys, but the interest in collecting vintage keys is expected to skyrocket. Skeleton keys are only $1 to $20 because there are so many of them around, and few people are interested in them. As the interest in old keys decrease, the price of skeleton keys will probably go up.
As a antique key collector, you will often obtain many old fashioned keys for bargain prices. Since very little people are informed about key collecting, they will not be aware about the true value of a key. You may find uninformed people willing to sell a key worth hundreds of dollars for only $1. If you keep your eyes peeled for bargains, you will most likely find plenty.
There are many things you can do with your keys once you've amassed a sizable collection. Some people choose to display their keys proudly in frames, while other people hang the bare keys on their walls. You can turn your most beautiful keys into necklaces and pins. Once you have a lot of old fashioned keys, you are free to be creative with your collection.
Key experts don't recommend that you purchase skeleton keys in hopes one will open an old knob, because the chances are rather small, though it definitely is a possibly. You might find a key that will work on old fashioned water spigots, vending machines, old cars, kitchen clocks, old desk drawers, and small banks.
Vintage key collecting is a hobby that is quickly gaining popularity. Start collecting antique keys now, while they're cheap as the prices are expected to skyrocket in the future.
 Antique Brass Padlock Original Chain Key ca 1860 $325.00 Time Remaining: 29d 19h 48m |
