heavily patinated original oversized cast brass "skeleton" type key used with a horizontal rim or dead lock mounted flush against an exterior door. the key was more than likely fabricated by mallory, wheeler & co., new haven, ct. the unusually large solid brass key was discovered in a wood-lined privy containing discarded artifacts dating from the late 1850's to the late 1880's. the rimlock key likely dates to the mid-1860's. around that time, hardware used in the john kent russell house was overhauled with surface and mortised locks and hardware fabricated by the m & co., new haven, ct. the key was likely discarded by a member of the russell family when newer locks were added. alternatively, due to its unusual size, it may have been used in a more commercial setting, which would likely have been russell's millwork factory located on fulton street, east of his residence. the house was constructed in 1855-56 by russell (a highly skilled carpenter), where he resided until 1867 at which point he moved his family out to oak park where he constructed an italianate style residence (non extant). the key has been lightly cleaned, but surface oxidation is evident.