K E Y O F T H E D A Y
This intact display of key blanks, complete with original paper shade, is from a defunct WT Grant department store.
These colorful blanks are made of anodized aluminum. Popular in the 1950s through the 1970s when brass and steel were in short supply, they often sheered off in locks because they are brittle.
This ILCO (Independent Lock Co) key duplicator is among the simplest. Often a first step for an aspiring locksmith, it does the job of copying the bit pattern of an original key onto a brass or aluminum blank.
This handsome enameled steel rack, c. 1930s, was made to hold key blanks.
This rack was likely designed for a maintenance shop or similar environment where individual or small groups of keys would return repeatedly to the rack, hence the oval spaces for marking.
This piece is more modern and likely intended for an automotive service garage with 'transient' keys, likely marked with temporary paper or plastic tags.
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