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Three fine and rare keys 17th/18th century (3) image 1
Three fine and rare keys 17th/18th century (3) image 2
Lot 40

Three fine and rare keys
17th/18th century

13 September 2021, 10:00 BST
Edinburgh

Sold for £7,650 inc. premium

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Three fine and rare keys

17th/18th century
The first two English, the last probably French, the first with bow elaborately pierced and chiselled with scrolled 'GR' monogram surmounted by an engraved III, presumably of George III, and with foliate engraved stem; the second with pierced and chiselled bow involving a monogram within scrolling foliage surmounted by a coronet, the turned and fluted stem and bit engraved with foliage; the last with bow finely pierced and chiselled with scrolling foliage involving monster's heads, centred on a crest and surmounted by a coronet, the turned and fluted stem with bit all engraved with foliage, Largest 12cm (3)

Footnotes

For a related example described as 'A key of the finest quality', and formerly in the late Peter Phillips Collection, see William Wallace, 'The Lure of The Key', 2016, pp. 62-63 illustrated in colour.

The coat of arms on the French key appears to be for the Dorieux family.

Additional information

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