Watch Keys

[Wynter Sturtevant]

I?ve been meaning to start this thread for a while now. I?ve never really gone out of my way looking for them but have always liked to put away the few that have gotten in my way.

Here?s my first submission. Honi Soit Quimals Y Pense (http://home.inreach.com/wynter/key.jpg) is written on the handle. After some checking around it turns out to be a phrase in what?s called old French. The translation is ?Evil to him who evil thinks?.

Are there any closet key collectors around? Anybody with one or two lying around?

Wynter

[Wynter Sturtevant]

I?ve been meaning to start this thread for a while now. I?ve never really gone out of my way looking for them but have always liked to put away the few that have gotten in my way.

Here?s my first submission. Honi Soit Quimals Y Pense (http://home.inreach.com/wynter/key.jpg) is written on the handle. After some checking around it turns out to be a phrase in what?s called old French. The translation is ?Evil to him who evil thinks?.

Are there any closet key collectors around? Anybody with one or two lying around?

Wynter

[Greg Crockett]

Often key wind watches don't come with original keys. My goal is to have a correct period key to go with each watch. For this reason I keep the old keys that come my way in a box in case of need. Otherwise, I don't go out of my way to look for them.

[David Thomas]

Here are some English signed keys:
http://racklever.users.btopenworld.com/keys.jpg

[John Pavlik]

Wynter,

Do you mean "Closet Crank Key Collector" ? I only have a couple of regular fancy copper ones... :smile:with out any writing on..

John

[Wynter Sturtevant]

Well John I hadn't thought of crank key collectors, but if you like them here's another one for you.

Folder (http://home.inreach.com/wynter/fcrank.jpg)

Wynter

[BrianC]

Has anyone ever seen a watch key signed Kendrick & Davis? It is my understanding they had a key shop in their factory in Lebanon, New Hampshire but I have never seen a key marked as such. Their tools are marked all over, Kendrick & Davis.
Brian C.

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[jwdavis]

I don't really have any rare keys but I have picked up these four along the way.
http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=999&gid=1104423&uid=605699&members=1

The one on the chain came with an Elgin KW I bought. I'm pretty sure it is correct for the period but it's hard to say if it is original to the watch.

I would like to get more unusual keys but they tend to be a bit expensive sometimes. As long as I am on a budget, I would rather save it for another pocket watch! :biggrin:

Jack Davis
nawcc #0155192

[Steve Maddox]

I used to have a key marked "Kendall & Dent," but I finally sold it to a guy who had a matching watch. Just as well, I suppose, as it was a little on the *cheap side* (Get it? -- Cheapside....). :biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin:

As for the K&D keys, like someone said above, their patent was for a "dustproof" key that was "relieved" on the sides. There are lots of these around, but they just have the patent numbers on the attachment ring at the top, and none of the ones I've seen have ever been marked "K&D."


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Steve Maddox
President, NAWCC Chapter #62
North Little Rock, Arkansas

[Jon Hanson]

Hi Brian,

Actually these "advertising keys" are plentiful; I have many from various states that are city marked. In my experience Pa. are one of the more plentiful. I have a NH one around here somewhere and did run across some nice English ones which are not typically nickel plated, such as Benson and Samuel.

Maybe one of the "recording secretaries" (typists) would like to begin a list? http://www.nawcc.org/ubb/rolleyes.gif

I have one marked Robbins, Clarke and Biddle!

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Jon Hanson, nawcc#8801
President chapter 149

[This message has been edited by Jon Hanson (edited 11-04-2002).]

[Greg Davis]

I have one that I find interesting. The round head on top pivots/ratchets, allowing you to wind without releasing the key.

[Steve Maddox]

Greg,

That key isn't a little "tipsy," is it?

:biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin:

SM

[Greg Davis]

If anyone's interested in seeing the key I mentioned, here are some extremely oversized scans merged to a single image. http://home.flash.net/~tryppyr/key.jpg