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🇫🇷 ANTIQUE 19TH-CENTURY FRENCH BRASS KEY 🇫🇷
A wonderfully romantic antique French hollow-barrel skeleton key, believed to date to the late 19th century and distinguished by its exceptionally ornate Rococo Revival design.
The key’s pierced bow is decorated with an elaborate asymmetrical arrangement of scrolling leaves, curling acanthus forms and flowing rocaille-inspired ornament. Its sculptural design reflects the enduring French Louis XV Revival taste of the 1800s, while its beautifully aged surface gives it tremendous character.
Based on its compact proportions, hollow barrel and simple rectangular bit, this was very likely made for an interior apartment or room door. It may alternatively have belonged to an armoire or another substantial piece of French furniture. Because the original lock is no longer present, its precise application cannot be conclusively determined.
I purchased this key from a seller who personally sourced it in France. The key appears to be brass and retains a gorgeous, naturally timeworn brown and olive patina with warmer golden highlights across the raised ornament and areas of handling. The metal composition has not been professionally tested, and no maker’s mark was MEASUREMENTS & DETAILS
• Overall length: approximately 2-3/4”
• Maximum bow width: approximately 1-1/4”
• Exposed shaft/barrel length: approximately 1-5/16”
• Barrel opening: approximately 5/32”
• Bit: approximately 1/4” × 5/32”
• Weight without fabric ribbon: approximately 16.09 grams or 0.568 ounces
• Material: Appears to be brass; not professionally tested
• Origin: Personally sourced in France by the previous seller
• Probable use: Interior apartment/room door or armoire lock
All measurements and weights are CONDITION
Excellent antique condition with no observed cracks, breaks, significant bends or missing ornament. The barrel appears straight, the elaborate pierced bow is complete, and the rectangular bit remains firmly attached.
Expected evidence of age and use includes fine scratches, softened high points, minor abrasions, small nicks, casting irregularities, oxidation and uneven surface coloration. Dark patina remains concentrated within the recessed ornament, while raised and frequently handled areas display warmer brass-colored highlights. Localized lighter coloration or residue is visible near the original bit-to-barrel junction. No obvious later repair is evident.
The key has not been tested in a lock. Compatibility and functionality cannot be guaranteed, and it is offered primarily as an antique architectural-hardware collectible.
The cream-colored woven ribbon is a later decorative addition and is not represented as original to the key. Its weight is not included in the stated measurement.
The aged wooden and floral background was added for display purposes. Please examine all enlarged photographs carefully—they show the exact key being offered and form an important part of the description.
📦 SHIPPING
• FREE USPS Ground Advantage within the United States
• Tracking included
• International shipping through ’s Global Shipping Program where available
• Carefully packaged to help ensure safe arrival
↩️ RETURNS
All sales are final unless the item has been grossly misrepresented. Please review the complete description and all photographs before purchasing.
