Rare Victorian English Pipe Key with Retractable Bit

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Rare Victorian English Pipe Key with Retractable Bit

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Sold Date: 12/12/2006
Channel: Online Auction
Source: eBay
Category: Tools

A true collectors key. At a little over six (6") inches long and an inside barrel diameter of 1/4", this English shop key is in good condition, despite some surface pitting of the metal.

One of very few of this type of key known to exist, it dates to the 19th or late 18th century. It's heritage is still recorded, though somewhat blurred, on the flat bow handle. One side is inscribed: "PARNELL PATENT" and below it, "LONDON". The other side is partially obscured but reads: "32 LITTLE _UE_ _ " (QUEEN ?). Below that, again partially obscured, it reads: "HOLB_ _ _ "

What makes this key truly unusual is the retractable bit. As can be seen from the photos, the bit slides completely into its 'pocket' when not in use, and can be slid back out with a firm pull to expose the 'teeth' of the bit. My guess is that the innovative design allowed the user to keep it in their pocket without damaging the material.

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