Q I bought this key almost 20 years ago. I know it’s from the “Frisco,” but can anyone date it or explain the “S” stamp?
— Rick Goodell, Etna, Maine
— Rick Goodell, Etna, Maine
A A plain “S,” like on the key shown, means it is a switch key. Early railroad switch padlocks and keys came in various styles, but became standardized in the late 19th century using this basic barrel design. Most switch locks were made of brass until the World War I era, when steel locks began to predominate. Switch keys almost always continued to be made of brass.
— Jim Hutzler, railroad memorabilia appraiser
