Need help IDing this thing

[jeffrefrig]

I found this toothless key in a box of my dad's trinkets, etc. I have no idea what it's for or where it came from. The little marks on the one side, from best I can see with the magnifying glass are from the top 1) JL with a tiny mark to the right, 2) looks like a wolf or bear's head maybe, 3) a lion, and 4) a letter E, kinda crooked and written like a backwards 3. It's non magnetic except for the little clasp on the chain. Seems like a bit of brass bleeding through plated with metal like nickel or something.
If it helps, except for a South Seas govt-paid vacation in the Navy, he grew up and lived in New Brighton, PA until around 1975, when the new house was completed closer to his job. Thanks for any ideas, etc.

 

[dockmurgw]

Looks religious in nature. Does the end where the chain attaches look like a crown?

 

[Bro. Dave]

It's a little wide, but perhaps a key for winding a pocket watch?

 

[jeffsmith]

Some sort of Key

 

[jeffrefrig]

Not a crown, but more like a heart-shape without the cleavage. It could be something from church. Dad was always a pretty strict church-going kid; we were Lutheran and he was, from what I know, involved in church activities as a kid. Also, a Boy Scout until he graduated and joined the Navy. (Just a little background info in case needed.)

 

[crstrode]

Jewelry.
The key to someone's heart.

 

[dockmurgw]

I think its an uncut religious themed key. Along the line of this one:

New Uncut Religious Cross Key - Blank Schlage Keyway - SC1 Key - Walmart.com

I still think the top is shaped like a crown, where the chain loop attaches. I am a Lutheran also, and we always called ourselves "Catholic Light", and when I saw it Catholic came to mind. Perhaps if it was cut, something a clergy would wear around his neck? Or perhaps, Canadian origin with the crown. Anyway, interesting piece...thanks for sharing.

 

[2152hq]

Don't know what it's for.
But the markings on the back are English Hallmarks

Left.. I'm guessing ,,is the Makers Mark,,
2nd from left is the London Assay Office Silver Hallmark. It's a Leopard head and has taken many different forms over time since first used a few centurys ago.
The other assay offices in the United Kingdom such as Dublin, Edinburg have their own symbols.

3rd from left is the Lion Passant.
Sometimes called a Lion Griffin. But a Griffin (Griffon) creature has wings. The Passant does not.
This stamping identifies the article to be of Sterling Silver (.925 % silver)
There are different symbols to ID Britannia Silver (.958%) and Fine Silver (.999%)

The marking on the right side I do not know. It may be a date code (yr)
Not sure.

There is a lot of info on the net some of it confusing! on British Hallmarks.
Gold and Silver marks are different. Like gunproofs, they were changed over time.
There are listings of the Markers Marks as they all had to be Registered with the govt to be able to have their wares Hallmarked as authentic.
There were fakes of course just as you can imagine.

Hope this helps.

 

[lihpster]

It unlocks the thermostat at the Illuminati clubhouse. Only a select few have had access since the incidents leading to The Great Fire of 1892.

 

[jeffrefrig]

2152hq that was something I couldn't find. All replies very interesting and helpful. I have more avenues to walk down. But I'm packin' just in case.
Thank yinz all so much.

 

[NFrameFred]

Jewelry.
The key to someone's heart.

Or more specifically perhaps, a representation of acceptance that there is One who represents "the key" to all, given the use of the Templar-like cross in the design.

 

[djohns6]

I agree with the uncut key blank .