Edwardian Silver-Gilt Presentation Key for the Salop Infirmary Nurses’ Home, Dated 1910
Edwardian Silver-Gilt Presentation Key for the Salop Infirmary Nurses’ Home, Dated 1910
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An ornate Edwardian ceremonial presentation key crafted in hallmarked sterling silver with a gilt finish. The long-fluted stem terminates in a stepped architectural bit, while the elaborate openwork bow is decorated with scrolling foliage, flowers, laurel branches, and a crenellated architectural crest.
The upper shield is engraved:
“Presented to
The Hon. Mrs. Heywood-Lonsdale
at the opening of the”
The lower cartouche continues:
“Salop Infirmary
Nurses’ Home
Nov. 10th 1910”
The key was presented to the Hon. Mrs. Heywood-Lonsdale to commemorate the formal opening of the Salop Infirmary Nurses’ Home. It is a finely detailed example of an Edwardian civic presentation piece and a tangible record of early-20th-century hospital and nursing history.
The key bears a sponsor’s or maker’s mark reading “M A,” which remains unidentified, together with the Birmingham anchor assay mark, the lion passant denoting sterling silver, and a lowercase “i” date letter. The hallmarking predates the engraved 1910 presentation date, indicating that the silver key was likely manufactured before being engraved for the opening ceremony. The anchor identifies Birmingham as the assay office, while the lion passant confirms the traditional sterling-silver standard.
An ornate Edwardian ceremonial presentation key crafted in hallmarked sterling silver with a gilt finish. The long-fluted stem terminates in a stepped architectural bit, while the elaborate openwork bow is decorated with scrolling foliage, flowers, laurel branches, and a crenellated architectural crest.
The upper shield is engraved:
“Presented to
The Hon. Mrs. Heywood-Lonsdale
at the opening of the”
The lower cartouche continues:
“Salop Infirmary
Nurses’ Home
Nov. 10th 1910”
The key was presented to the Hon. Mrs. Heywood-Lonsdale to commemorate the formal opening of the Salop Infirmary Nurses’ Home. It is a finely detailed example of an Edwardian civic presentation piece and a tangible record of early-20th-century hospital and nursing history.
The key bears a sponsor’s or maker’s mark reading “M A,” which remains unidentified, together with the Birmingham anchor assay mark, the lion passant denoting sterling silver, and a lowercase “i” date letter. The hallmarking predates the engraved 1910 presentation date, indicating that the silver key was likely manufactured before being engraved for the opening ceremony. The anchor identifies Birmingham as the assay office, while the lion passant confirms the traditional sterling-silver standard.
5.75"h x 1.75"w x 0.5"d
5.75"h x 1.75"w x 0.5"d
Ceremonial presentation keys were commissioned for the openings of hospitals, schools, civic buildings, and other important institutions. Rather than serving as ordinary working keys, they were presented as commemorative objects to patrons, dignitaries, benefactors, or individuals selected to formally open the building.
This example commemorates the opening of the nurses’ residence associated with the Salop Infirmary. Its engraved recipient, institutional name, and exact presentation date provide unusually strong historical context and provenance.
Ceremonial presentation keys were commissioned for the openings of hospitals, schools, civic buildings, and other important institutions. Rather than serving as ordinary working keys, they were presented as commemorative objects to patrons, dignitaries, benefactors, or individuals selected to formally open the building.
This example commemorates the opening of the nurses’ residence associated with the Salop Infirmary. Its engraved recipient, institutional name, and exact presentation date provide unusually strong historical context and provenance.
Edwardian; hallmarked Birmingham and presented November 10, 1910
Edwardian; hallmarked Birmingham and presented November 10, 1910
Birmingham hallmarked sterling silver with gilt finish
Birmingham hallmarked sterling silver with gilt finish
Presented to the Hon. Mrs. Heywood-Lonsdale at the opening of the Salop Infirmary Nurses’ Home on November 10, 1910; later private collection; acquired in Austin, TX
Presented to the Hon. Mrs. Heywood-Lonsdale at the opening of the Salop Infirmary Nurses’ Home on November 10, 1910; later private collection; acquired in Austin, TX
Antique condition with age-appropriate wear. The gilt finish shows rubbing, tarnish, oxidation, darkened areas, scratches, and localized loss revealing the silver beneath, particularly around the raised decoration, stem, and central knop. The engraved inscriptions remain legible but show light wear and softening. The sponsor’s or maker’s mark reads “M A” but has not been conclusively attributed. Minor surface irregularities and wear are present throughout. The key is a ceremonial presentation object and was not necessarily intended to operate a functioning lock. Please review all photographs closely.
Antique condition with age-appropriate wear. The gilt finish shows rubbing, tarnish, oxidation, darkened areas, scratches, and localized loss revealing the silver beneath, particularly around the raised decoration, stem, and central knop. The engraved inscriptions remain legible but show light wear and softening. The sponsor’s or maker’s mark reads “M A” but has not been conclusively attributed. Minor surface irregularities and wear are present throughout. The key is a ceremonial presentation object and was not necessarily intended to operate a functioning lock. Please review all photographs closely.