Very confused by Brunswick keys

[BiliBug]

Calling out to the experts once again...

I'm trying to find the right cabinet lid lock key for my Brunswick model 120.

While I've studied the key chart on Old Crank (http://www.oldcrank.com/articles/keys/keys.html), I've seen too many variations to make me comfortable in purchasing one without testing it first.

What is the correct length key? 2-¼" or 2-⅝"?

Do all correct keys have the "E"-shaped "bit"? Does the same key fit all locks? Was the same top design ("bow") used for other purposes/manufacturers?

Any opinions on a "fair" price?

Attached are some photos of various keys I've found online.

Thanks,
-B

[OrthoSean]

All Brunswick machines I have seen with correct keys seem to be the ones like in your 3rd photo. My BR-260 came with one, the "E" cut you refer to, do you mean the teeth on the key? If so, the ones I have seem do indeed have that cut. If you need an exact key length, I can measure mine when I get home from work later.

Sean

[BiliBug]

All Brunswick machines I have seen with correct keys seem to be the ones like in your 3rd photo. My BR-260 came with one, the "E" cut you refer to, do you mean the teeth on the key? If so, the ones I have seem do indeed have that cut. If you need an exact key length, I can measure mine when I get home from work later.

Sean

Thanks, Sean,

Yes, by "E", I am referring to the teeth on the key.

Some others have responded privately that both key lengths should fit, but the one for upright models such as mine would have been 2 ¼ inches long.

-Bil

[OrthoSean]

I should have said both lengths would work (of course!), but yes, the shorter key is the one you would want.

Sean

[Remmotors]

This is the key that came with my Brunswick Model 127. I bought the machine from the original family complete with key, record duster, quite a few single face Brunswick records and record catalogs. Is this a later key? Is it different because of the special finish on the machine? (Japanese Lacquer)

[OrthoSean]

You've got me! Most of us call that a "wreath key" and to me, I associate that one with the early VTLA which was supplied with these. Perhaps it is because your 127 is a special finish. Perhaps the original key was misplaced and this wreath key replaced that one. A lot can happen to a machine in decades. I have a Japanese lacquer VV-130 which came from the original home and with a standard "V" key which others immediately suggested had been a replacement for the fancier "V" key known to come with others like it. All I can say is, it's what came with mine when I got it, but maybe it did have a fancier key originally. Same with my B-250 DD machine, most came with Dolphin keys, mine came with a key identical to one of the Brunswick keys mentioned above and it too came from the original owner's family, so one never knows.

Mysteries like this fascinate me...

Sean

[Remmotors]

They fascinate me, too, Sean. I have a VTLA with a wreath key. That key is different in design and functionally. They are not interchangeable so the mystery deepens....
Roy

[OrthoSean]

So, is your wreath key different than the Victor wreath key? Forgive me, it's been months since I've looked at my VTLA, so I can't remember if they're the same or not

Barrel keys of all kinds and sizes / designs / patterns were used in all sorts of furniture, so I'm sure there were variations of these and I've just never noticed!

Sean

[BiliBug]

Old Crank shows the wreath key as a Brunswick possibility, although a model range is not specified.

Wakeman's Brunswick book also shows both types of keys in the replacement part catalog (pg 335). interestingly, what seems to be the longer key (p/n 34) seems to only have been available in nickel. The shorter version (p/n 86) is indicated as being in "oxidized" finish. At least according to this catalog, only the wreath key (p/n 38) came gold plated. Also note that all 3 keys seem to have the "E" teeth/bit configuration.

Would all machines with gold plated hardware have come with the wreath key as a "deluxe" feature?

[OrthoSean]

Would all machines with gold plated hardware have come with the wreath key as a "deluxe" feature?

Well, for what it's worth, my BR-260 has gold plated fittings but the crank, crank escutcheon and key are all oxidized.

Thanks for posting more from Wakeman's book, which I hadn't thought to consult!

Sean