AGB High-Security Profile Cylinder Key in Nickel-Plated Steel
Functional Hardware Attachment / Key · Alban Giacomo SpA (AGB), a leading Italian manufacturer of hardware for windows and doors founded in 1947, recognized for high-security locking systems.
Pattern: Standard Profile Cylinder Series, Scudo line compatible
Type
Functional Hardware Attachment / Key
Maker
Alban Giacomo SpA (AGB), a leading Italian manufacturer of hardware for windows and doors founded in 1947, recognized for high-security locking systems.
Material
Nickel-plated steel or nickel-silver alloy. Note: This is an industrial hardware item and contains no sterling silver or precious metal content.
Dimensions
Length approximately 60mm; Weight approximately 15-20 grams. Standard domestic key sizing.
Description
A utilitarian Italian-made cylinder key mounted to a teal plastic folding accessory. While it possesses a 'silvery' metallic appearance common to hardware, this is an industrial tool made of nickel-plated alloys designed for durability and friction resistance in door locks, rather than aesthetics or bullion value.
Key Features
Distinctive AGB branding, 'MADE IN ITALY' strike, five-pin biting profile, and integration with a folding plastic protective sleeve.
Material & Composition
Nickel-plated steel or nickel-silver alloy. Note: This is an industrial hardware item and contains no sterling silver or precious metal content.
Finish & Decoration
Industrial nickel plating with a matte/brushed finish on the head and a polished finish on the bitted blade. Decoration is limited to die-stamped manufacturer branding.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped with the 'AGB' logo in a rectangular border and the capital block letters 'MADE IN ITALY'. No silver purity hallmarks are present as this is a base metal item.
Construction Details
Industrial die-struck and machined. The key is blanked from sheet metal, then precision milled to create the warding and bitting patterns.
Functional Features
Precision milling for cylinder alignment, shoulder stop for depth positioning, and an ergonomic trapezoidal head for torque application.
Handle & Grip Details
The key is mounted to a turquoise thermoplastic folding fob or multi-tool case, featuring a pivot mechanism and a wire split-ring for attachment.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial machining. The bitting is crisp and the stamping is deep and legible, indicating high-volume precision manufacturing.
Authentication Indicators
Clearly defined AGB trademark and manufacturing origin stamps consistent with genuine Alban Giacomo hardware. Absence of silver hallmarks confirms it is standard hardware.
Origin & Manufacturing
Made in Italy, likely in the Romano d\'Ezzelino production facilities of Alban Giacomo SpA.
Era & Period
Modern Era (late 20th to 21st century). The design is utilitarian, reflecting contemporary European industrial standards.
Age Estimate
Circa 2000-present. The branding and plastic housing style suggest modern mass production.
Cultural Significance
Represents the standard for European security hardware and the prevalence of Italian precision engineering in everyday domestic objects.
Condition Notes
Very Good. The nickel plating shows minor surface scratches consistent with use. The plastic housing shows slight scuffing. No structural deformation of the blade.
Value Estimate
$5 - $15 USD. The value is strictly functional as a replacement key or for the lock it operates; it has no precious metal scrap value.
Care & Maintenance
Keep dry to prevent oxidation of the base steel if plating is scratched. Lubricate locks with graphite rather than oil to maintain key function.
Similar Pieces
Silca, JMA, or Errebi key blanks. These are functional competitors but lack the specific AGB proprietary branding.
Interesting Facts
AGB is one of the few global hardware firms that controls the entire production cycle from raw metal to finished lock system in Italian factories.