Shoebox ford keys

I posted this on the flathead v8 site a few weeks ago with, surprisingly, no answers; anyone here know?

After finding a new ignition lock for a reasonable price, I decided to redo all of the locks and keys on my '51 club coupe, so I ordered two sets of NOS key blanks. I got them a couple of days ago, and they are plain br***. I seem to remember them as plated, but I may be wrong. I looked at the current keys, which I believe are the originals, and I don't see any signs of plating. This is a bona-fide 80,000 mile car that I have had for 25 years. Which is it; plated or unplated? (I think I may have owned to many GM cars over the years.)

 

The keys for my '50 are plated br*** but I'm not 100% certain they are the originals.

 

They were made by Briggs & Sttraton. Yes the lawn mower co. At one time they were the largest auto key and lock mfg in the usa.Now kown as Strattec.
Your origional keys were plated br***.
Terry

 

The ones I just bought a couple of months ago from Chris at Shoeboxford.com are plated. I try to get all my stuff from him because he won't handle junk and lets you know if some repop part doesn't work.

 

Now I'm even more confused. The placerment lock cylinder came with a key marked "Hurd" who I believe made the locks and keys for earlier (pre 49) Fords. It fits perfectly. I thought Briggs and Stratton made keys for GM cars. If plated, what was the plating? I seem to remember that GM keys were not very shiny so it probably wasn't chrome; perhaps nickel?

 

Hurd also made locks bot they were not used much after 1940. Buy the way they still make locks.

 

My keys are bright chrome finish.