Dimple-Cut High-Security Lock Key by Martyrs - Nickel-Plated Brass
Functional Hardware / High-Security Dimple Key · Martyrs (Cordonnerie Martyrs), a French security and locksmithing service located in Paris and associated with the CYC brand of cylinders.
Pattern: Standard Dimple Key Profile; CYC Security Series; specific code OH238341.
Type
Functional Hardware / High-Security Dimple Key
Maker
Martyrs (Cordonnerie Martyrs), a French security and locksmithing service located in Paris and associated with the CYC brand of cylinders.
Material
Non-silver; Nickel-plated brass alloy. This is the industry standard for durability and low friction; contains no sterling or fine silver.
Dimensions
Standard key length approximately 6-7 cm; weight approximately 10-15 grams. Precision thickness for cylinder entry.
Description
This is a high-security dimple key rather than an antique silver object. It features a unique pattern of varying depths drilled into the face of the blade, which corresponds to pins inside a CYC locking cylinder. The name and number on the bow refer to a specific Parisian locksmith shop.
Key Features
Side-drilled dimples, unique serial number coding for key tracking, and French service provider branding.
Material & Composition
Non-silver; Nickel-plated brass alloy. This is the industry standard for durability and low friction; contains no sterling or fine silver.
Finish & Decoration
Industrial nickel plating with a matte/satin finish; features machine-stamped alphanumeric identification and a French telephone number.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Not hallmarked as silver. Stamped with 'CYC' (system brand), code 'OH238341', 'MARTYRS', and '01 48 78 46 16' (French locksmith contact number).
Construction Details
Industrial high-pressure stamping of the blank, followed by CNC or specialized machine dimple drilling on the blade faces.
Functional Features
Multi-axis dimples for pin-tumbler interaction; security profile designed to be difficult to duplicate without specialized machinery.
Handle & Grip Details
Trapezoidal flat bow with a triangular hole for keyring attachment; integrated solid construction with functional blade.
Craftsmanship Details
Commercial machine-milled precision; intended for mechanical accuracy rather than artistic expression; standard industrial tolerances.
Authentication Indicators
Commercial industrial stamps consistent with modern locksmithing; lack of silver hallmarks confirms this is a base metal utility item.
Origin & Manufacturing
France (Paris); specifically associated with the 'Martyrs' workshop located on Rue des Martyrs.
Era & Period
Contemporary / Late 20th to Early 21st Century Security Technology.
Age Estimate
Circa 1990-present day; the inclusion of the '01' phone prefix indicates a production or stamp date post-1996.
Cultural Significance
Represents the evolution of home security and the traditional role of local Parisian artisan 'serrureries' (locksmiths).
Condition Notes
Fair to Good; visible surface oxidation typical of used nickel plating; slight brassing/wear on the edges of the blade from repeated cylinder insertion.
Value Estimate
Nominal utility value; replacement cost for a security duplicate typically ranges from $25 to $60 USD depending on the security card requirements.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a dry cloth; use graphite lubricant inside the lock cylinder for smooth operation; do not polish with silver cleaner as it may leave residue in the dimples.
Similar Pieces
Mul-T-Lock keys, KABA cylinders, and ISEO dimple keys. These differ by blade profile and pin counting systems.
Interesting Facts
The '01' prefix on the key identifies it as being from the Île-de-France (Paris) region; dimple keys are far more common in Europe than in North America.