United State, Antebellum, Slavery

Description

Iron key, probably a cabinet key. Open barrel with a moderately complex bit. The shaft has two grooves, and the head is a typical oval. The key-size and form of the bit suggest use with a cabinet lock of good quality, such as would be used in a plantation house to secure items of value beyond everyday use (perhaps guns, or silver). It's presence in a slave cabin likely reflects appropriation by stealth, as close watch would be kept over keys of this quality in a plantation setting.

From Collection

SSDPLACornell

Record Contributed By

Cornell University

Record Harvested From

ARTstor