Reference Tools
Indexes & Archive Tools
Navigate the archive by railroad, manufacturer, key type, era, or collector. 533 switch keys and 159 padlocks on file.
Archive Indexes
Navigate 533 keys and 159 padlocks by any attribute
Railroad Index
All switch keys and padlocks indexed by railroad line and reporting mark.
484 railroadsManufacturer Index
Browse all keys and padlocks by the company that made them.
234 makersKey Purpose Index
Switch keys, water tower keys, tool box keys, car seal keys, and more — sorted by use.
38 purposesCollector Index
Keys attributed to named private collections. 30 collectors profiled.
30 collectorsAuction Results
Reference prices from collector auctions — essential for valuation research.
0 resultsReference & Community
Submit, connect, and support the archive
Photography Guide
How to photograph your railroad keys for submission — lighting, background, and focus tips.
Submit a Key
Add a key to the archive. All submissions are reviewed before publishing.
Submit a Padlock
Contribute a railroad padlock to the archive.
Submit an Auction Result
Help build the pricing reference by submitting a recent auction sale.
Join as a Collector
Share your collection story and get profiled on the Collectors Gallery.
Railroad Locks & Keys — Facebook ↗
A community focused on railroad locks, keys, and related history.
Antique Padlocks Archive ↗
Explore.ws — the sister archive for railroad and antique padlocks since 2001.
Support the Archive ↗
This archive is free and always will be. Buy me a coffee to help keep it running.