Out Of The Blue Artifacts A Library of a lifetime of collecting
A Dobbie Key.
A Dobson “Dobbie Key”.
Made from hollow iron tube, solid iron head. Size 16″ inches long. The head is 2″ inches wide with the handle being 1″ inch in diameter.
This key was used to pump up the hydraulic Dobson dobbie pit props on the coal face by placing the key into the pumping valve on the side of the prop and move the key (left to right) to pump up the pressure to extend the prop piston. To release the prop piston you place the key hook into the valve and lever the opposite direction.
This piece still has its original paint.