Yale and ERA Tardis Key Research (Info for the 1963-present keys)
- Thread starter Straker
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martinday88
New Member
Thanks, the building where i work has been there since the 40's and almost every door at some point or another has been a YALE style lock, so there are hundreds of keys like this and others being chucked out
This is a photo of my ERA key (not perfect) had to do some slight modification to it
and it has my D shackle on top for a size comparison, does the size look ok to you? or to small?
thank you
This is a photo of my ERA key (not perfect) had to do some slight modification to it
and it has my D shackle on top for a size comparison, does the size look ok to you? or to small?
thank you
Straker
Sr Member
Just wanted to put this up here. I recently found an eBay seller selling pewter Pertwee keys...the price is good and if what they're selling looks as decent as the aged picture posted in the auction then it's not bad.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/161862974645?_trksid=p2060353.m2748.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
My only real issues are the auction description and some of the almost arrogant way the seller is presenting their work and some erroneous information on their part.
" these Tardis keys are hand cast in 100% Crown Pewter just like the original screen used Doctor keys."
Except according to all data we have from the owners of Pertwee's key it was made of sheet metal and then brazed together, not made of "crown pewter" which...what is CROWN pewter?
"Nearly 30% larger than factory mass productions"
Which factory mass productions? You mean the recent unlicensed Chinese ones? Cause pretty much aside from ONE licensed "replica" that is undersised, most licensed as well as unlicensed keys are full scale. I think...yeah, four keys total in my collection are undersized out of something like 40.
"This is the most show-accurate key available in the US..."
BASICALLY true but ONLY because nobody else in the US is making the them but if you lived in the UK...
"... and is quite a bit larger than fan site or convention versions."
...see above. I have 40 keys here and nearly all disagree with that statement.
"There is a quite talented prop maker in the UK selling a comparable product, but those keys are "idealized" sculpts and made uniform and more symmetrical, without the prop specific irregularities and character."
...seriously? Okay, MAYBE if you only go by the Baker version which IS a tad more symmetrical, but I still call BS.
"This is the only sculpt privately or commercially produced which accurately captures the actual prop as it was used by Tom Baker."
Ummm...no, it's not. It's one of TWO that accurately captures the actual prop as it was used by Jon Pertwee. Pertwee was the only person that used the key the way it looks as this seller is presenting it. Bakers was cast off it and didn't include the damaged arms and was later replaced entirely by a new sculpt.
So yeah, not a fan of the write up there, and while I like the finished product they are offering (so far), they fail to mention that Mooncrest is the ONLY maker that is making the Pertwee key in two pieces and then fusing them together, and that the Pertwee version Mooncrest makes is of a VERY hard pewter. I'm not too sure how good this new guy is with their pewter, but I'd be curious if anyone gets one, what they think...unless the maker is here on the boards, in which case, please, speak up.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/161862974645?_trksid=p2060353.m2748.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
My only real issues are the auction description and some of the almost arrogant way the seller is presenting their work and some erroneous information on their part.
" these Tardis keys are hand cast in 100% Crown Pewter just like the original screen used Doctor keys."
Except according to all data we have from the owners of Pertwee's key it was made of sheet metal and then brazed together, not made of "crown pewter" which...what is CROWN pewter?
"Nearly 30% larger than factory mass productions"
Which factory mass productions? You mean the recent unlicensed Chinese ones? Cause pretty much aside from ONE licensed "replica" that is undersised, most licensed as well as unlicensed keys are full scale. I think...yeah, four keys total in my collection are undersized out of something like 40.
"This is the most show-accurate key available in the US..."
BASICALLY true but ONLY because nobody else in the US is making the them but if you lived in the UK...
"... and is quite a bit larger than fan site or convention versions."
...see above. I have 40 keys here and nearly all disagree with that statement.
"There is a quite talented prop maker in the UK selling a comparable product, but those keys are "idealized" sculpts and made uniform and more symmetrical, without the prop specific irregularities and character."
...seriously? Okay, MAYBE if you only go by the Baker version which IS a tad more symmetrical, but I still call BS.
"This is the only sculpt privately or commercially produced which accurately captures the actual prop as it was used by Tom Baker."
Ummm...no, it's not. It's one of TWO that accurately captures the actual prop as it was used by Jon Pertwee. Pertwee was the only person that used the key the way it looks as this seller is presenting it. Bakers was cast off it and didn't include the damaged arms and was later replaced entirely by a new sculpt.
So yeah, not a fan of the write up there, and while I like the finished product they are offering (so far), they fail to mention that Mooncrest is the ONLY maker that is making the Pertwee key in two pieces and then fusing them together, and that the Pertwee version Mooncrest makes is of a VERY hard pewter. I'm not too sure how good this new guy is with their pewter, but I'd be curious if anyone gets one, what they think...unless the maker is here on the boards, in which case, please, speak up.
Straker
Sr Member
So quick update, I got the key and actually it's not bad.
I've beentalking tot he seller and I think what it comes down to is justbeing unaware of the details we have here rather than arrogance as the seller is genuinely nice about my critique.
So what about the key? Well it IS a bit too big. Closer in scale to the original Pertwee key Mooncrest offered before we ot the actual measurements. The casting details are actually really good. The new key has damage that Mooncrest actually didn't originally includ. The quality of the pewter is really decent so far. At least as hard as the stuff Mooncrest uses.
I don't have my camera at the moment so I can'ttake any GOOD pictures but I will get them.
I'd say for $17 shipped to my door it's well worth it if you're as obsessive about getting Tardis Keys as I am. If you're looking for the BEST representation that's the most accurate and already own a Mooncrest Pertwee key, you might not want this, though if you just want something to carry this is still a great buy.
I've beentalking tot he seller and I think what it comes down to is justbeing unaware of the details we have here rather than arrogance as the seller is genuinely nice about my critique.
So what about the key? Well it IS a bit too big. Closer in scale to the original Pertwee key Mooncrest offered before we ot the actual measurements. The casting details are actually really good. The new key has damage that Mooncrest actually didn't originally includ. The quality of the pewter is really decent so far. At least as hard as the stuff Mooncrest uses.
I don't have my camera at the moment so I can'ttake any GOOD pictures but I will get them.
I'd say for $17 shipped to my door it's well worth it if you're as obsessive about getting Tardis Keys as I am. If you're looking for the BEST representation that's the most accurate and already own a Mooncrest Pertwee key, you might not want this, though if you just want something to carry this is still a great buy.
greatwazoo42
Master Member
Thanks for the update.
Straker
Sr Member
No problem,
Now while I don't have any pictures of that key yet, I DO have something new I found:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Doctor-Who-...226538?hash=item2ca33cb82a:g:WFUAAOSwl9BWIQ3F
Check out those pictures...apparently the BBC is also now KO-ing Megatrons Tardis key. I mean it even has the "beads on a string" going on and look at the layers XD And yes, from what I can tell it IS actual licensed merch. Absolutely amazing.
Yes, I have also ordered one for my archive, lol.
Now while I don't have any pictures of that key yet, I DO have something new I found:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Doctor-Who-...226538?hash=item2ca33cb82a:g:WFUAAOSwl9BWIQ3F
Check out those pictures...apparently the BBC is also now KO-ing Megatrons Tardis key. I mean it even has the "beads on a string" going on and look at the layers XD And yes, from what I can tell it IS actual licensed merch. Absolutely amazing.
Yes, I have also ordered one for my archive, lol.
Terrasolo
Sr Member
It really does look like they copied his style. Not an outright recast thankfully but they totally used it as a base for their key. So strange because they have to have better reference material for the real one, especially since we do! I often think these things are made incorrect on purpose.
greatwazoo42
Master Member
They softened the edges of the piece but it does have a few things solidly in common.
Video of Megatron's key here for those that don't have one to compare: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XA2X6CweFmo
Video of Megatron's key here for those that don't have one to compare: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XA2X6CweFmo
Terrasolo
Sr Member
I actually owned a Megatron key before sending it Straker's way. They softened the edges and they squared off the beads on the strings, they even made their Rassilon seal close but it's like they had one in their hands and just used it to draw from rather than straight out cast from it.
greatwazoo42
Master Member
Yup. Here's a Mooncrest for additional comparison: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKC0XkILMVI
Straker
Sr Member
Yes, it's not exact but the way the bottom post is on the same layer as the seal, the way the seal is sculpted with the pattern in the center being separated rather than joined like the screen used and the beads on a string rather than the circuit pattern and even the placement of the beads on the strings. I'm VERY curious to see how the back looks. I'm ALMOST expecting it to be double sided but regardless, this HAS to be the oddest form of "recasting" I've seen. This is the only officially licensed copy of a fan made version I've ever seen, lol.
Same here! I've looked over the thread from time to time but with all the info I keep putting off getting a/some keys. I wanted to do a perception filter key too but need to figure out a good base key...and I guess how to sand it down. Lot of great info and research though, much appreciated!
Terrasolo
Sr Member
I was recently able to get the Baker Key that Straker and I designed from screen caps made and with that and the key that River Song had this past Christmas I was able to complete my key collections! At least until the New Series adds more keys, naturally. Split them up into Doctors and Companions/Friends
EDIT: I should have mentioned before, my 3D printed Baker key is one of three test print keys. I have no plans to sell any or have any more made as they are costly and because Gary from Mooncrest Models has had this key on his workbench for a while, meaning any future runs for this key would be covered expertly by him. This was a test project on my part for another item which also worked out to help me complete my set as a bonus.
EDIT: I should have mentioned before, my 3D printed Baker key is one of three test print keys. I have no plans to sell any or have any more made as they are costly and because Gary from Mooncrest Models has had this key on his workbench for a while, meaning any future runs for this key would be covered expertly by him. This was a test project on my part for another item which also worked out to help me complete my set as a bonus.
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