todays flea market finds: early bicycle lamp and prison cell key?

[green papaya]

left side view of antique bicycle carbide head lamp

right side view of carbide lamp

antique jail cell key from the 1850's - 1870's era

size of key is around 4.80 inches long

here is what I picked up this morning on my antiques search at the flea market

the first pictures are of an early carbide bicycle head lamp, I was told it's from the 1890's early 1900's turn of the century

and the second pics are of an old iron skeleton / jail cell key? it's large and heavy old key, do you think it's an old west jail cell key?
the seller said it's probably 1850's - 1870's era

antique bicycle head light = $5.78

old key = $8.00

 

[Maj.Nick Danger]

Some cool stuff! Reminds me I have to go back to some of my sources and scout out some more vintage stuff. I'm about due for another score.

 

[dr greg]

spooky

I always know when something is 'calling me', I'll just get a feeling to go to a particular junk shop or market, and something will be there. I got the call down in Sydney for a funeral two weeks ago, left the wake, went for a drive in the howling wind and rain against all counsel, and found a smelly little shop in a backstreet, a damn near brand new pair of RM Williams Bushman boots..exactly and I mean EXACTLY my size: 15 bux...
There are higher powers when your quest is true.

 

[Maj.Nick Danger]

I always know when something is 'calling me', I'll just get a feeling to go to a particular junk shop or market, and something will be there. I got the call down in Sydney for a funeral two weeks ago, left the wake, went for a drive in the howling wind and rain against all counsel, and found a smelly little shop in a backstreet, a damn near brand new pair of RM Williams Bushman boots..exactly and I mean EXACTLY my size: 15 bux...
There are higher powers when your quest is true.

You are so right! I always follow those instincts and I always make out by doing so. I was looking for a new watch recently, and I just happened upon a nice Bulova at my favorite shop for a mere $50. Looked online to see if it's still a style they make but couldn't find it. Others that were similar cost $250 to $350.

 

[green papaya]

bronze presidential inauguration medallion?

I also picked up this huge bronze medallion

has "Franklin - Delano - Roosevelt - President of The United States"

on one side

and "Inaugurated March 4 - 1933"

on the other side with an American eagle

it's thick and heavy, made of solid bronze and measures around 3" inches in width, shown pictured with a US quarter for size comparison

cost was $5.00

 

[Maj.Nick Danger]

Interesting.

Was it issued by the U.S. mint?

 

[green papaya]

Was it issued by the U.S. mint?

hhhmm? I dont really know, the guy selling it said these may have been handed out to voters or supporters during the time of the presidents inauguration back in 1933

since it was only $5.00 I picked it up for fun, it makes a nice paper weight or conversation piece, plus it's made of solid bronze, it looks interesting, well made.

 

[Maj.Nick Danger]

This site has 2. Reagan and Eisenhower. Both were minted by The Medallic Art Company, a private company, and both show the vice president also.
Maybe this guy can give you an idea as to what you've got?



http://www.coins-n-medals.com/Sales/Medals/medals.html

 

[Maj.Nick Danger]

Was at the mint's website and found these.

(Hope this goofy mile long link works.)

http://catalog.usmint.gov/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?catalogId=10001&storeId=10001&categoryId=10131&langId=-1&parent_category_rn=10196&top_category=10196

 

[green papaya]

I just checked and I didnt see the same one I have, the one they show is a different medallion.

 

[green papaya]

early carbide lamps for bicycles

I just found this photo of a German carbide lamp circa 1910, and it looks very similiar to the one I have, I think mine may have been mfg. by the same company, judging by the looks of this model.