Now this is a serious key.   Found at an early 1800s location, this key was over 10″ deep.  My E-trac was maxed out at 30 sensitivity to find it.  Retrieval was a workout.  See below for key with dime for scale.  If I learn more about this key I’ll post.  It seems that “I lost the keys to the ____” was a lot more shameful in the early 1800s than now.  I mean, how do you lose a key like this?   Now will I get a gypsy curse?

Brass, has “22” marked on the side in old style lettering.

The hunt itself is part of this live-dig video.  A fascinating discussion on locks and keys from this era is available at Poplar Forest Archaeology’s site.