Keys question

[Jeffrey S.]

Hello All,
I have a bag full of octagonal head keys applicable to '63-'66 that have the Briggs & Stratton logo on both sides and intact knock outs. I also have some that have the Briggs & Stratton logo on 1 side and "GM" on the other. Were the B & S both sides keys used in production? Or were these for locksmiths, aftermarket, etc.? Thanks for the help.
Jeff

[Gary B.]

Re: Keys question

Jeff,

Original keys for that era had "GM Your Key to Greater Value" on one side, and the Brigss & Statton name and address on the other side. Can you post a photo of the one that have B&S on both sides?

Gary

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: Keys question

Gary,
Thanks for responding. Here is a photo of both sides of these keys. The knockout is clear on both sides as well.
Jeff

[Gary B.]

Re: Keys question

Jeff,

I've never seen such keys with the identical B&S info on both sides. Also, the size of the hole in the knockout for a key ring suggests that were made or reproduced after 1967 or 1968. I suspect they would function properly, but I think they should garner a deduct during judging.

Gary

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: Keys question

Gary,
Thanks for replying. I know that the hole is smaller than pre-"68. It does seem strange that B&S would supply keys with knockouts to locksmiths/aftermarket since in that area no one would stamp in the key numbers. Maybe it was just cheaper to do this than to create another whole line for this without knockouts. When I bought them they were mixed in with keys with GM on one side.
Jeff

[Gary B.]

Re: Keys question

Jeff,

I believe that Stratec, the buyer of the B&S key business, has sold GM keys without knockouts for many years. Maybe because so many buyers complained about the hole in the knockout being too small to go over their key ring Stratec just decided to get rid of the knockout altogether.

Gary