An interesting warded key on an old padlock

[ilmr]

I stumbled across a old design that I hadn't seen before. The "post" is split. Any comments / thoughts about this?

The lock itself is pretty big (Abloy 320 shown for comparison)

[Jaakko]

I would go for a basic warded padlock. Pretty easy to check, just make a blank for it and start impressioning with soot on the blank

[ilmr]

I would go for a basic warded padlock. Pretty easy to check, just make a blank for it and start impressioning with soot on the blank

Well I do know it's a warded padlock, as the topic is saying (warded key is actually what's written, hangover still haunting)

I was thinking about the ups and downs of a the separate bars and maybe curious about the history of this kind of key.

[Jaakko]

Whoops

Well, maybe the upper part acts on a part that releases the plug to rotate or it is just there to scare pickers

[raimundo]

Im doubting it has a plug, thats probably a curtain that you see, and one part of the key will set up levers, for the opening, the other part that is split off may operate some other part of the lock or its completly unnecessary and does nothing more than driver the curtain which may have an operating lever on it to lift back the locking dog.

[greyman]

Looks like a warded lock with maybe some levers. The split key looks like another type of warding. I would guess that if they didn't have the straight leg on the key, the other leg with the cuts would just plain break off!

[JackNco]

looking at that thing its just there to make it harder to duplicate it.

[WOT]

looking at that thing its just there to make it harder to duplicate it.

The key looks like a pull pin on a fire extinguisher.

[illusion]

The straight part is probably just to strengthen the blade - Kinda like the way there is a bit of a pin tumbler key that is uncut and sits just in front of the pins, but still inside the lock. This means you can still turn the key when the lock has very low cuts next to high cuts (Not that it eliminates the problem ) Basically, the straight part provides the turning point. If you want to apply tension, then apply it here.

The lock might have a simple turning action, like the discus padlocks - the whole plug holding the shackle in place; by turning the plug you free the shackle.

Hmmm... If my idea, regarding the purpose of the straight part of the key, is right, then that leaves the question of what prevents the plug from simply being turned without the key, by turning the top part with a wrench. I guess the only thing that I can think of would be levers, but that would make the lock far more intricate than it would appear.

Could you please look at the cuts, and see if they are work at all - this is the biggest indicator that there are levers since they would have to rub against them in order to open the lock.

I'd love to see the inside of that lock - it looks very interesting.

Ben.

[Jaakko]

The straight part of the key might activate a plug-releaser. I have a warded lock that has a plug that doesn't turn before you insert the key to the bottom of the keyhole and push it a little. There is a small spring loaded clip keeping the plug from rotating.

Don't know if it is the same here, but one possible solution

[MacGyver101]

Hrm. The key appears to be perfectly flat... so I would guess that the "split" is there simply to prevent you from inserting the key upside-down? From looking at it, it also appears that the smaller notch in the "tip" of the key (cut below the cuts) aligns with a track in the back of the keyway, which aids in ensuring that the key is aligned with the levers.