Abstract: The invention contemplates a key retainer with a key-retaining bail extending beyond one end of a case, for selective retention of one or more keys. The combination involves the bail formed as an integral hook-like part of pivoted body structure within the case. Pivotal action is limited, and deliberate manual actuation of the body structure against a preloading spring is necessary to displace the free end of the hook from (a) a first normally retained position in which the hook is effectively closed by its relation to the case, to (b) a second and temporary position in which the free end of the hook is sufficiently upwardly offset from the case to permit selective key insertion in and/or removal from the bail.