Da Vinci Code Bank Key: good alternative for the Noble Collection one?

[TomVDJ]

I now have the Noble version of the Da Vinci Code Bank Key, but I have several issues with it:

1. The gold plating on the top part is corroding / coming off.
2. The "engraving" on the key is not really an engraving, but kind of painted on (when polising the key, the "engraging" comes off.
3. It's a letter opener. You can unscrew the "blade" on the back of the key, but still... not accurate.

However, I did not find a better alternative out there. Does someone know where to get a good, screen accurate replica?

 

[MattgomeryBurns]

I've done a tireless search myself and didn't have any luck. I have the Noble version too and it's sort of disappointing.

 

[Jintosh]

On a related note, do you know the proper dimensions ? At some point I may want to make one for myself.

And, if you have some close up pics of the parts that are right, that would be great as well.

 

[TomVDJ]

On a related note, do you know the proper dimensions ? At some point I may want to make one for myself.

And, if you have some close up pics of the parts that are right, that would be great as well.

If you ware considering a run, I'd be very interested. I'll take some pictures and measurements of the noble version this evening.

I'm in contact with a craftsman nearby that might be interested to tackle this project too, based on one of my keys, but this would only be by the end of the year, due to other projects this guy is working on...

 

[Jintosh]

If you ware considering a run, I'd be very interested. I'll take some pictures and measurements of the noble version this evening.

I'm in contact with a craftsman nearby that might be interested to tackle this project too, based on one of my keys, but this would only be by the end of the year, due to other projects this guy is working on...

I would be printing in metal from Shapeways for myself, good enough for a one-off, but not especially cost effective to do a run.

I could add my 3D files of the key to my Free for personal use section in case you did want to do the Shapeways thing also.

 

[MattgomeryBurns]

I would be printing in metal from Shapeways for myself, good enough for a one-off, but not especially cost effective to do a run.

I could add my 3D files of the key to my Free for personal use section in case you did want to do the Shapeways thing also.

I'd definitely print one of those.

 

[TomVDJ]

Forgot to make the pics... I'll do it this weekend. Really curious how a 3D printed version will look like .

 

[Jintosh]

I see different variations on eBay and google images. It looks like it would be pricey (no surprise) to do it on Shapeways.

If you did just the triangular shaft in steel, it would be about $20, but would require serious filing / sanding to get it smooth.
You could do the shaft in shiny rhodium, but then, just the shaft could be around $50. It would be totally smooth and very shiny silver looking without modification.

The top piece is an issue, you could print just the top piece in gold plated brass, and maybe be around $20 / $25 but then you'd have to paint the fleur de li in silver. Molotow chrome marker would do wonders, if you added a clear top coat.

Possibly, the top cross shape could be done in gold plated brass, and the fleur de li done in rhodium, and then you'd have to attach (glue?) the fleur de li to the cross somehow.

I can see if you other guy can just fabricate it without having to glue pieces together or such that his solution would probably be better. You might try and get some info from him, to see if it's worth the wait.

Is it possible that the top piece of what you have could be used, but just replace the triangular shaft ? Without having one to look at, I can't be sure.

 

[TomVDJ]

In the Noble version, the Fleur De Lis is a separate part on top of the cross, held in place with a few pegs. So it might be possible to print this as two pieces and slide / glue them together...

 

[Funky]

I guess I'm not as picky. I have the NC and I'm very pleased with it. Now granted, it never comes out of its case so it never really handled.

 

[Jintosh]

In the Noble version, the Fleur De Lis is a separate part on top of the cross, held in place with a few pegs. So it might be possible to print this as two pieces and slide / glue them together...

Yep. That'll work.