Up for sale is a very large, early American hand-forged iron relic key from a historic 18th century fort!
This substantial piece features a broad oval bow, a collared stem, and a heavy notched bit characteristic of late 18th to early 19th-century architectural or fortification door locks. It exhibits a rich, heavy dark iron oxidation and authentic age patina throughout.
📜 Included Provenance Card & Historical Context
The key comes paired with a historical display card detailing its provenance link to the Vanderbilt family estate and its recovery location at Fort Schlosser, NY:
- About Fort Schlosser: Built around 1760 by British colonial forces under Captain John Schlosser, Fort Schlosser was constructed in Western New York to guard the crucial upper entrance of the Niagara Falls portage near the Porter-Barton dock. It was built directly over the site of the French Fort Petite Niagara (burned during the French and Indian War in 1759) and incorporated its original stone chimney. The fort played a vital strategic role along the Niagara River corridor throughout the colonial period and the War of 1812.
- Vanderbilt Connection: The card outlines the early history of Captain Cornelius Vanderbilt, who began his maritime career in New York Harbor operating freight and ferry boats, later supplying military forts during the War of 1812.
- Dimensions: ~VERY LARGE 7" in length (see photos with tape measure for scale).
- Condition: Heavy dark patina and rust/oxidation consistent with excavated or ground-recovered iron antiquities. Solid construction with no structural cracks.
What’s Included: (1) Heavy iron relic key and (1) printed historical provenance card.
Check out my response and offer with confidence!
Also, please be sure to check out my other items including shipwreck artifacts including Mel Fisher's Atocha and other rare historical items.
Related Items:
Am. Revolutionary War Antique X-LARGE Iron Relic Key Historic Fort Schlosser
$45.00
Postcard Patriotic 4 July Revolutionary Hero Riding a Horse Am. Eagles C.1910 L5
$9.02
Mackinac Island MI postcard OLD FORT MACKINAC REVOLUTIONARY WAR s/06 AM0329
$9.99
