Toby,In my collection of nipple keys I have one interesting key, that suggests there must have been an industry standard for the sizes of hexagon. This key is marked;"Bayliss and Son patent, Number 1" Unlike the bell ended socket keys normally ecountered, this key is infact a miniature ring wrench. It is fitted with a black wood handle to match those found on turn screws and other implements some times found in gun cases.
Possible patentee Bayliss and Son; gun rifle and pistol maker, 1863-1866, Upper Priory Street, Birmingham.
Last edited by Roy Hebbes; 04/17/11 04:37 PM.