Do antique keys generally contain lead in them?

Question

I have a really cool old key, i'm not too sure what its made of but i was just wondering if it likely contained lead in it that could make it dangeruos to wear as jewellry...?

Answer 1

Generally speaking, lead was not used in the making of keys. Lead tends to be too soft, even when alloyed.

Brass, bronze and iron have all been used to make keys since the invention of the lock. It the corrosion on the key looks green or blue, then the key is a copper alloy (brass or bronze is most likely). If the key rusts, then it is iron or an iron alloy.

The only exception to this is the fact that ornamental keys have also been make for a long time. Some of these may have been made with pewter, which is an alloy containing lead.

Answer 2

This calls for a expert opinion - there's a large industry for maritime decoration, lots 'toy' finding stuff in larger industry trend and adorning shops.......... genuine ones in solid order can fetch surprising money even in interior of reach auctions, so the suggestion to hint down an Antiques Roadshow is superb. I particularly have viewed unique hand carved 0.5 fashions by making use of a boatbuilder of the 40s by way of 70's fetch hundreds. unique historic fashions of interior of reach magnitude can carry interest from museums and severe creditors alike, returned this might mean extraordinary values.

Answer 3

Yes, lead was used commonly as it was easy to extract and mould.

Answer 4

generally. yes.

Answer 5

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