ILCO LC14R Key Blank - Nickel-Plated Brass
Security Hardware / Key Blank · ILCO (International Lock Company), now Kaba-Ilco Corp. Known as one of the world's largest manufacturers of key blanks and lock components.
Pattern: LC14R Profile (Dimple or Sidewinder track pattern style)
Type
Security Hardware / Key Blank
Maker
ILCO (International Lock Company), now Kaba-Ilco Corp. Known as one of the world's largest manufacturers of key blanks and lock components.
Material
Nickel-plated brass. Note: This item contains 0% silver content; it is a base metal alloy common in locksmithing.
Dimensions
Approximately 2 inches in length. Weight is roughly 8-12 grams. Standard residential/commercial key scale.
Description
This is a standard industrial key blank used by locksmiths. It is not a silver decorative object. It features a specific side-milled track designed to operate a pin-tumbler or laser-cut lock cylinder. The 'silver' appearance is purely a result of protective nickel plating over a yellow brass core.
Key Features
Characteristic 'LC14R' stamping, scalloped bow shape, and high-security internal milling tracks.
Material & Composition
Nickel-plated brass. Note: This item contains 0% silver content; it is a base metal alloy common in locksmithing.
Finish & Decoration
Industrial nickel plating with a matte/satin factory finish. No decorative engraving or silver finishing techniques present.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped with 'LC' over '14R' on the bow. These are manufacturer part numbers rather than silver purity hallmarks.
Construction Details
Mass-produced via industrial stamping and milling. The grooves and dimple tracks are machine-cut for precision.
Functional Features
Shoulder-stop design with internal track milling for a high-security or automotive-style cylinder. Circular hole for key ring attachment.
Handle & Grip Details
Flat, scalloped-rectangular bow integrated into the blank, made of the same plated brass as the blade.
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-precision engineering intended for high-tolerance mechanical operation rather than artistic merit.
Authentication Indicators
Item lacks any recognized silver hallmarks (925, Lion Passant, etc.). The 'LC14R' stamp identifies it definitively as a hardware component. Brass is visible underneath surface wear.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely manufactured in the USA (Rocky Mount, NC) or Italy, following contemporary industrial security standards.
Era & Period
Late 20th to Early 21st Century (Modern Industrial)
Age Estimate
Modern era, likely produced within the last 10-30 years based on the LC14R numbering system.
Cultural Significance
Represents the shift from ornate Victorian 'skeleton' keys to mass-produced, high-security utilitarian hardware.
Condition Notes
Good/Fair. Shows signs of surface oxidation, pitting in the nickel plating, and minor tarnish consistent with pocket wear or exposure to moisture.
Value Estimate
$2.00 - $5.00 USD (Replacement hardware value only; no scrap silver value).
Care & Maintenance
Does not require silver polish. Keep dry to prevent green 'verdigris' corrosion of the internal brass core. Use graphite lubricant for functional use.
Similar Pieces
Ilco 1528, Silca variations, or genuine OEM keys from brands like Schlage or Kwikset.
Interesting Facts
ILCO has its roots in the early 20th century and revolutionized the 'quick-copy' key industry found in hardware stores today.