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Either one will work as most of us are viewing this the "flat thread view" in chronological order. But if someone was viewing this in the "thread tree view" (Looks like an upside down tree). Then the reply button on the bottom would add a "general" reply on the trunk of the tree, while the in-post reply button would add a reply on that current branch of a tree.

I hate forums that use the tree style view as use have to wade through all the branch levels to read the responses and things get ugly and confusing quickly. That is why the default here is the "Flat Thread View" mode.

The Brigss & Stratton Company (BASCO) was the predominant OE suppler of locks and keys for the majority of automakers. However, most automakers had head of the OE keys custom embossed with their own design.

I still have the factory-original keys for a couple of my V8 Packards and the head shows (on BOTH sides):

PACKARD MOTOR CAR CO.

DETROIT U.S.A.

Also, ONE side also has a five-character alphanumeric code stamped below, near the shank. I never looked into it, but suspect this is the encrypted code that, with a code book (or equivalent database), can be translated into cutting depths needed to originate a key (from scratch, as opposed to duplicating one), using one of the old handheld key clippers.

The service replacement keys distributed through Packards parts warehousing system, under the numbers provided by the parts book, would show same embossing - less the unique code. I haven't checked my Packards, but have found similar key code info stamped on the housing of the lock cylinder in other cars.

However, I suspect many dealer stocked less-costly BASCO replacement key blanks which would show B&S verbage, rather than PMCC, as those blanks fit other makes. For example, the familiar square and oval head blanks used by GM beginning in the late 1960s also fit AMC products - though cutting positions and depths may not be the same. Of course, aftermarket blanks were also distributed by Ilco, Curtis Industries, and the like.

The key and lock operations of BASCO were eventually spun off as a separate entity - now known as Strattec.

For those who want to spend some extra $$$, Max Merritt offers duplicated Packard factory key blanks for $10 each. I think the keys are on their website.

Buddy, This might be your answer. Replace the entire lock cylinder.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1935-1936-1937-1938-1939-1940-1941-1955-Packard-Lock_W0QQitemZ200413209996QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories?hash=item2ea98ee58c

I just did a search at MM's site for "key blank".

Judging from the images shown for P/Ns 458061 and 458062, I believe his keys are repros, but fairly well-done. The main difference is the lack of the "U.S.A.", which appears just below the word "DETROIT" on my OE keys, and the finish of the background of the embossed area on the OE key has a satin finish. The latter is hard to describe unless you've seen one; the background of the OE square and oval head GM key blanks used back in the 1970s had similar appearance.

IMHO, MM's repro key blanks are reasonably close enough that I'd pay the $10 for those over the same price for NORS Briggs & Stratton blanks. (CAUTION: many eBay listings for NOS Packard key blanks are actually NORS B&SA/BASCO blanks.) Yet, I'd want to have a couple of inexpensive aftermarket blanks so that whoever is going to cut the repro key blanks will have something to practice with, first.

To cut new keys for these fine old vehicles, look for someone who has some old Curtis automotive locksmithing tools and experience with originating keys for the older vehicles (they're still out there). Properly maintained and adjusted the old "Curtis clipper" will produce results that look and operate like the keys that came with the vehicle when it left the factory. In contrast, retail stores that make keys for a couple of bucks are only tracing your existing key - in effect, making a new key with what equates to worn cuts.