T. McCormick Factory Keys | Night Watchman Hugh Newell Provenance | Circa 1867–1872

$1,250.00
$1,250.00
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Framed 19th-century display with eleven iron keys, portrait of night watchman Hugh Newell, and early photograph of T. McCormick’s 1867 factory, preserved in a wooden shadowbox.
Video showcasing a rare set of 19th-century T. McCormick factory keys with documented provenance from night watchman Hugh Newell, including original photos and historic display.
Victorian-era key collection with watchman Hugh Newell portrait
Historic 1867 factory photograph by T. McCormick mounted on card, with handwritten note referencing keys used by watchman H. Newell, displayed
19th-century framed display with antique iron keys and portrait
  • Framed 19th-century display with eleven iron keys, portrait of night watchman Hugh Newell, and early photograph of T. McCormick’s 1867 factory, preserved in a wooden shadowbox.
  • Video showcasing a rare set of 19th-century T. McCormick factory keys with documented provenance from night watchman Hugh Newell, including original photos and historic display.
  • Victorian-era key collection with watchman Hugh Newell portrait
  • Historic 1867 factory photograph by T. McCormick mounted on card, with handwritten note referencing keys used by watchman H. Newell, displayed
  • 19th-century framed display with antique iron keys and portrait
Framed 19th-century display with eleven iron keys, portrait of night watchman Hugh Newell, and early photograph of T. McCormick’s 1867 factory, preserved in a wooden shadowbox.
Video showcasing a rare set of 19th-century T. McCormick factory keys with documented provenance from night watchman Hugh Newell, including original photos and historic display.
Victorian-era key collection with watchman Hugh Newell portrait
Historic 1867 factory photograph by T. McCormick mounted on card, with handwritten note referencing keys used by watchman H. Newell, displayed
19th-century framed display with antique iron keys and portrait
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T. McCormick Factory Keys | Night Watchman Hugh Newell Provenance | Circa 1867–1872

Description
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Historical Context & Origin

Region: United States (likely Northeast or Midwest)
Material: Iron keys, glass, wood, early silver gelatin photographs
Period: Late 19th century (circa 1867–1872; frame likely early 20th century)

Description

This exceptional historical assemblage features a set of eleven original 19th-century iron keys attributed to one of the earliest American industrial buildings, constructed in 1867 by T. McCormick. The keys were reportedly used by a night watchman named Hugh Newell between 1869 and 1872, whose photograph is mounted within the display alongside a labeled period image of the original building. The structure, initially a factory, was later converted into a sanitorium for the criminally insane, operating for many years before its eventual closure. Following its decommission, these keys—along with the documentation—were preserved and professionally framed as a historical record. The display is housed in a dark wood shadowbox with glass front, lined in black fabric, and bordered by a giltwood interior trim. The lower photograph bears an original handwritten inscription: “One of the first factories built 1867 by T. McCormick. These are the keys used by H. Newell the watchman.”

Features

- Eleven original mid-19th-century iron keys of varying sizes

- Oval portrait of Hugh Newell with handwritten note (dated 1869–1872)

- Early mounted photograph of the original building in winter

- Shadowbox presentation with brass mounting studs

- Rare provenance linking the object to both industrial and mental health history

Cultural Significance

Artifacts like these are rare survivors of the early industrial and institutional history of the United States. The transformation of the factory into a mental asylum reflects broader 19th-century trends in repurposing large buildings for state health services—especially for psychiatric care. The survival of the keys, along with named documentation and a photograph of the building, offers a uniquely traceable narrative.

Condition

Very good antique condition. Keys show expected age-related oxidation. Photographs and notes have minor foxing and edge wear but remain legible and intact. Frame has minor scuffing but is structurally solid and ready to display.

Dimensions (Approximate)

Height: 19.25 in
Width: 23 in

Age (Approximate)

Keys and Photographs: 154–159 years old
Framing: 75–125 years old

Learn More

Explore the history and development of Skeleton Keys

Browse Our Collection of Rare Historic Keys

Description

Historical Context & Origin

Region: United States (likely Northeast or Midwest)
Material: Iron keys, glass, wood, early silver gelatin photographs
Period: Late 19th century (circa 1867–1872; frame likely early 20th century)

Description

This exceptional historical assemblage features a set of eleven original 19th-century iron keys attributed to one of the earliest American industrial buildings, constructed in 1867 by T. McCormick. The keys were reportedly used by a night watchman named Hugh Newell between 1869 and 1872, whose photograph is mounted within the display alongside a labeled period image of the original building. The structure, initially a factory, was later converted into a sanitorium for the criminally insane, operating for many years before its eventual closure. Following its decommission, these keys—along with the documentation—were preserved and professionally framed as a historical record. The display is housed in a dark wood shadowbox with glass front, lined in black fabric, and bordered by a giltwood interior trim. The lower photograph bears an original handwritten inscription: “One of the first factories built 1867 by T. McCormick. These are the keys used by H. Newell the watchman.”

Features

- Eleven original mid-19th-century iron keys of varying sizes

- Oval portrait of Hugh Newell with handwritten note (dated 1869–1872)

- Early mounted photograph of the original building in winter

- Shadowbox presentation with brass mounting studs

- Rare provenance linking the object to both industrial and mental health history

Cultural Significance

Artifacts like these are rare survivors of the early industrial and institutional history of the United States. The transformation of the factory into a mental asylum reflects broader 19th-century trends in repurposing large buildings for state health services—especially for psychiatric care. The survival of the keys, along with named documentation and a photograph of the building, offers a uniquely traceable narrative.

Condition

Very good antique condition. Keys show expected age-related oxidation. Photographs and notes have minor foxing and edge wear but remain legible and intact. Frame has minor scuffing but is structurally solid and ready to display.

Dimensions (Approximate)

Height: 19.25 in
Width: 23 in

Age (Approximate)

Keys and Photographs: 154–159 years old
Framing: 75–125 years old

Learn More

Explore the history and development of Skeleton Keys

Browse Our Collection of Rare Historic Keys

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