When you ask others what the key to being successful at treasure hunting, you will get all sorts of responses, some good sound advice, and then responses that will blow your mind. For me, there’s something particularly fascinating about finding actual keys and locks! These everyday objects tell intimate stories about security, personal possessions, and the changing technology of protection through the decades.
Unlocking History: Vintage Padlocks and Keys from Bygone Days
Among my most cherished finds are these vintage padlocks and keys, each with their own unique characteristics and historical significance. The Shenlong RJ padlock shows beautiful brass patina that only comes with decades of exposure to the elements. This style of lock would have been commonly used from the 1970s to early 1990s, most likely securing a shed, gate, or storage unit. Notice how the brass has developed that distinctive weathered appearance while still maintaining its structural integrity.
The “Extra ele TOP SECURITY” padlock represents another interesting piece of security history. This model was manufactured during a time when lock companies began emphasizing security features in their marketing. The “TOP SECURITY” designation would have been a selling point, promising better protection than standard models. Finding these locks often means you’re detecting near places where people needed to secure valuable items – old business districts, abandoned factories, or even railway sites.
The Evolving Art of Security
The history of locks and keys dates back thousands of years, with the earliest known lock-and-key systems emerging in ancient Egypt around 4,000 years ago. These early devices used wooden pins that could be manipulated by a wooden key. Metal locks didn’t become widespread until the Roman era, when blacksmiths began crafting more durable security devices. The basic principle, however, remained largely unchanged for centuries: a key turned pins or levers inside a mechanism, allowing it to open.
The padlocks in my collection represent what we might call the “modern era” of security technology, spanning roughly from the early 20th century through the 1990s. During this period, mass production made locks more affordable and accessible to average people, not just the wealthy. The design and construction of these locks tells us about manufacturing capabilities, metallurgical knowledge, and security concerns of their respective eras.
When metal detecting for locks and keys, it’s important to understand their typical composition. Most older padlocks were made from brass, bronze, or iron alloys, depending on their intended use and price point. Higher-end security locks often used more corrosion-resistant metals, which is why they sometimes survive in better condition underground than their cheaper counterparts. Keys, meanwhile, tend to be made from brass or various steel alloys, with decorative examples sometimes incorporating silver, nickel plating, or even gold elements for prestige items.
Personal Stories in Metal
Perhaps most intriguing are the skeleton keys with their ornate designs. The decorative key with the elaborate handle features geometric patterns that were popular in the early 20th century. Keys weren’t just functional – they were small pieces of craftsmanship that people carried daily. Many homeowners and businesses took pride in their lock systems, often choosing designs that reflected architectural styles or personal aesthetics.
The wooden name tag reading “Wendy” attached to another key set tells an even more personal story – perhaps these belonged to someone’s first apartment, a childhood diary, or a special box of keepsakes. During the mid-20th century, personalized key tags became increasingly popular as people accumulated more keys for various purposes. Finding such a personal item is a rare treat in metal detecting – a direct connection to a specific individual from the past.
Where and How to Find Vintage Locks and Keys
When metal detecting, I’ve found that keys and locks typically appear in areas with historical human activity stretching back at least 50-100 years. Old homesteads, abandoned schoolhouses, and former town centers are prime locations for these types of finds. They’re tangible connections to how people secured their valuables and defined private space throughout history.
Be purposeful in your search for these items. Historical research is essential for identifying promising locations. Town records, old maps, and newspaper archives can reveal the locations of former businesses that would have used significant security measures – banks, jewelry stores, post offices, and the like. These establishments often upgraded their security systems periodically, discarding older locks and keys which might find their way into the surrounding soil.
The depth at which you’ll typically find locks and keys varies considerably depending on soil conditions and the age of the item. In areas with significant soil accumulation or disturbance, I’ve recovered keys from as deep as 8-10 inches. Padlocks, being heavier, tend to sink deeper over time and may require a good quality detector with adequate depth capability. I recommend using a detector with effective iron discrimination features that can be adjusted or turned off as needed, since many locks contain iron components that might otherwise be filtered out.
When you do locate a lock or key, excavation requires particular care. The intricate mechanisms of locks can be damaged by rough handling, potentially destroying valuable historical information. I use a precision hand trowel for the final stages of recovery, working slowly around the object rather than prying it directly from the soil. Once recovered, minimal cleaning is advisable until you’ve had a chance to research and potentially identify your find. A gentle brush to remove loose soil is usually sufficient until proper conservation can be undertaken.
Conservation and Documentation
Preserving these finds requires specific approaches depending on their composition. For brass and bronze items, I avoid harsh chemicals and opt instead for gentle cleaning with soft brushes and mild soap. Iron objects present greater challenges due to their susceptibility to continued corrosion. I typically apply a light coating of mineral oil to stabilize iron finds after they’ve thoroughly dried.
Documentation is equally important. I photograph each lock and key against a neutral background with proper lighting to capture details, and record the exact location of discovery using GPS coordinates. Any visible markings, manufacturer’s stamps, or patent numbers can be crucial for identification and dating. Online communities of lock collectors and industrial archaeology enthusiasts are invaluable resources for identifying unusual specimens.
The most rewarding aspect of collecting historical locks and keys is the window they provide into changing attitudes toward privacy and security. From simple mechanisms designed to keep honest people honest to sophisticated devices meant to defeat determined intruders, each lock tells a story about the values and concerns of its time.
Have you ever found vintage locks or keys while detecting? Each one potentially opens a door to understanding how our ancestors protected what mattered most to them! The patience and persistence required to locate these items makes the discovery all the more satisfying. As you continue your detecting journey, keep an eye out for these fascinating artifacts of security history – you never know what doors to the past they might unlock.
My name is Paul and I am the founder of Detector For Metal, a dedicated resource for metal detecting enthusiasts seeking to uncover historical treasures and connect with the past using the latest technology. As a stay-at-home dad and family man, I’ve found metal detecting to be the perfect hobby that combines family adventure with historical learnings for the whole family.
As a father, I’m deeply committed to passing on this hobby to the next generation of detectorists, starting with my own children. I share advice on everything from metal detecting with kids to exploring the top 10 metal detecting sites you never thought about. My methodical approach to the hobby goes beyond the thrill of discovery—it’s about creating family traditions while preserving history and sharing the stories of those who came before us.
