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.

Rare Skeleton Keys

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Recent Sales

Rare Vintage Skeleton Key with Faces

By Jean Cocteau

Located in Sag Harbor, NY

This Rare Vintage Key with faces made of steel is a real treasure. Original and decorative piece

Category

Vintage 1950s French More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Steel

Rare Vintage Skeleton Key with Faces

H 5.5 in W 2.125 in

19th Century English Pine Blanket Chest

Located in Mckinney, TX

candle box (very rare to find!). Original skeleton key and lock are present, along with brass

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century English Blanket Chests

Materials

Porcelain, Pine

19th Century English Pine Blanket Chest

H 31.38 in W 58.13 in D 26.25 in

Chinese Duplex Silver Case Pendulum Pocket Watch Peacock Motif, circa 1870s

Located in Long Beach, CA

WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This rare and unique skeletonized key

Category

Antique 1870s Swiss Pocket Watches

Chinese Duplex Silver Case Pendulum Pocket Watch Peacock Motif, circa 1870s

Rare Iversen Danish Teak Highboy Bachelors Skeleton Key Cabinet

By Aksel Kjersgaard

Located in Hyattsville, MD

Solid, sturdy piece. Fully functional. Original skeleton key, behind door reveals six drawers. Ink

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Cabinets

Materials

Teak

Rare Iversen Danish Teak Highboy Bachelors Skeleton Key Cabinet

H 46.38 in W 45.32 in D 17.88 in

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Rare Skeleton Keys For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are several options of rare skeleton keys available for sale. The range of distinct rare skeleton keys — often made from metal, iron and brass — can elevate any home. There are all kinds of rare skeleton keys available, from those produced as long ago as the 19th Century to those made as recently as the 20th Century. There are many kinds of rare skeleton keys to choose from, but at 1stDibs, folk art and Scandinavian Modern rare skeleton keys are of considerable interest. Franklin MInt produced beautiful rare skeleton keys that are worth considering.

How Much are Rare Skeleton Keys?

Rare skeleton keys can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price at 1stDibs is $5,957, while the lowest priced sells for $500 and the highest can go for as much as $769,000.

Questions About Rare Skeleton Keys

Are skeleton keys illegal?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
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.