Karl--Do you think the key number was for "control?" Like each key having a unique number and assigned to an individual?? Or just the number of the lock?? Thanks, Tom
Tom, That is a very distinct possibility. Items such as books of rules remained property of the company, and the employee had to "sign" for the document. Perhaps the same is true for the key.
I hope it is alright to reply to old post. The number on the back of the keys is a serial number or like you said a unique control number for keeping up with who has what key. In the old days the number was recorded along with the name of the person the key was assigned to. Later years they stoped keeping records of the keys.
I think Jerry is right, you had to sign for a railroad key, in earlier years they had serial numbers. The new keys all have serial numbers (Sargent Greenleaf) One side is the type (105) the long number is the serial.
Jerry, it is always appropriate to reply on an old thread with information or questions. Thanks for sharing!