"Key Guns": Prison Cell Keys That Double as Guns

[Eldritch]

Jailers' Key Guns

One of the most odd objects we’ve ever seen: these items are sometimes confused with spy gadgetry, but the truth is stranger.

Jailers’ keys were apparently filled with gun powder to create a primitive gun that could be detonated if there was any trouble when opening a cell door. We found several original versions that back up this claim, dating from the 17th century and of various complexity.

16th Century Key Gun


Flintlock style key gun


Lock key Caplock pistol. Europe. 19th c. 9mm caliber


.22 caliber key pistol, 1822


1850s Key Pistol


Link.

[Raskolnikov]

This time no sarcasm: cool story, bro.