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Questions & Answers
Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions

Are skeleton keys illegal?

1 Answer
Are skeleton keys illegal?
Generally, it is not illegal to own a skeleton key, and old homes in some areas may still have locks that require skeleton keys on their interior doors. However, locks that use skeleton keys go against building codes. On 1stDibs, find a range of skeleton keys.
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Shop for Antique Keys on 1stDibs
Portrait of a bearded man - Adriaen Thomasz. Key (c. 1544-1589)
Located in Gent, BE
Thomasz. Key. Attired in an expensive and modish ‘Burgundian black’ doublet, with his hands unsheathed
Category

16th Century Flemish School Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil, Panel

Greek Key Stool
By George Hepplewhite, Jonathan Sainsbury
Located in Sturminster Marshall, Dorset
A Hepplewhite design stool or coffee table. The buttoned upholstered top above a fine Greek key
Category

Antique 18th Century British Neoclassical Stools

Materials

Brass

19th Century Key Case
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
19th century collection of metal keys presented in a green felt lined mahogany case.
Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Country Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Metal

Wièse Watch Key Pendant
Located in London, GB
crafted from a rich 18ct yellow gold into the form of a watch key; a tool used as a mechanical winder on
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Hydrangeas and Other Garden Flowers
By John Ross Key
Located in New York, NY
Signed (at lower right): John Ross Key 1882
Category

Late 19th Century American Realist Still-life Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Golden Rod and other Wildflowers
By John Ross Key
Located in New York, NY
Signed (at lower right): John Ross Key 1882
Category

Late 19th Century American Realist Still-life Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

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