Rarity: Superb Rack And Pinion Key, Parisian Work, 18th Century

We are buyers of key collections, and collectible keys
Pretty key, forged and polished steel, ring with confronting snakes fighting over a pearl, base with studded boss, finely openwork rope knot, hollowed-out square section rod with superb twisted movement, and… no bit.
It was a rack and pinion key, a gear screwed to end of rod allowed lateral movement inside lock.
See the only example I found, p 358 in Clefs, Gabriele Mandel, on last photo.
Very beautiful key, Museum, and very good quality, 11.2cm x 4.2cm.
Good condition, nicely polished steel, final pinion is missing, according to the one in book, it was an 8 or 10-point star.
see our honest photos,
This item is for immediate purchase, payable by credit card or paypal.
- eclectic - antique dealers since 1970, Siret: FR 24.430113233.
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