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Iron lock and set of keys owned by members of the Ellis family

Unidentifiedlate 19th-early 20th century

Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
Washington, D.C., United States

The padlock is accompanied by two different keys on a metal key ring (c). There is a cast iron key that has a flat blade with a square or notch like serrations on both sides, and an oval bow with large holes side by side. This key opens the lock. There is also a cast brass skeleton key that has a cylindrical shaft with a rectangular blade at the end with rectangular notches or serrations. The bow is an oval with a double concave hexagonal center slot flanked by two ovals. The third item attached to the ring is a circular flat iron tag.

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  • Title: Iron lock and set of keys owned by members of the Ellis family
  • Creator: Unidentified
  • Date Created: late 19th-early 20th century
  • Physical Dimensions: Diameter (key ring): 1 7/8 in. (4.8 cm)
  • Subject Keywords: Domestic life, Family
  • Medium: iron and brass
Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

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