This lovely, large antique solid brass warded skeleton key is 157mm long, 49mm wide at the bow, and 25mm coming down from the barrel to the bit. It has a lovely feel to it, is completely non-magnetic, has a weight of 178 grams and shows enough wear and patina to entirely convince me that it's not some decorative reproduction from the 70's (it certainly isn't a novelty bottle opener).
It has been in this house for over 30 years and was recovered from a skip containing the unwanted possessions of our neighbour who passed away in the 90's. She was the Deaconess of the local church and had previously ministered in Birmingham.... so there is a good chance the key was connected with the church at some point.
It shows significant wear to only one side of the bit and marks on the barrel that suggest this key was used over a very long time to open something from one side, a chest, a huge closet or cabinet perhaps?
All in all, an absolute cracker of an item, sure to delight the key enthusiast in your life.