wide variety of all original late 19th and early 20th century antique american furniture cabinet door "barrel" keys. the majority are comprised of brass or bronze (with a minority of steel and iron) with the original nickel or chrome plated finish largely intact. the tubular keys were fabricated by a number of manufacturers including, but not limited to, p. & f. corbin, eagle lock co., national, yale and russell & erwin. any and all manufacturer markings are lightly incised along the bow of the keys. no two are alike. the tubular blades contain teeth or "bits." barrel keys are designed to open tubular pin tumbler locks. they have a hollow, cylindrical shaft that is usually much shorter and has a larger diameter than most conventional keys. the modern version of this type of key is harder to duplicate as it is less common and requires a different machine from regular keys. tubular keys were invented by the ace lock company in chicago. priced for the entire lot.