Royal key mystery

[daveham]

Measuring some 4.5 inches long; made of steel and within the hoop a gilded brass tag bearing the initials GR (George Rex/George Reign)

Engraved along the shank are the words Carrington Bowls Esqr. Some research has established that at the latter part of the C18th Carrington Bowles had a shop at St Paul's Churchyard where he sold both maps and prints.

Close scrutiny of the pictures will show that one of the "R"'s I Carrington has been filed out, as if the engraver
made a mistake??

Neither the British Museum, the London Museum or the V and A have been able to cast light on it.

I thought the name Bowles may have a connection to
Prince Charlie's wife but apparently not....


A local antiques auctioneer expressed great excitement but purely in monetary terms.

Any clues amongst you key experts?

[Huw Eastwood]

Hello daveham, can you show the reverse side of the brass GR tag, also both top and bottom edges of it- the loop around the bow and the lower edge which swings above where the bow of the key joins the stem- thanks.

[daveham]

Huw,

Both sides of the gilded tag are identical. I don't quite understand what additional photos you are wanting. Please elaborate.

[Huw Eastwood]

Sorry daveham it's difficult to explain easily, I was thinking of the top and bottom edges of the tag, an end view of the edges but it might be difficult to get clear photos close-up anyway.

I was thinking it might give some clues as to any joint on the loop of the tag and might show whether the bottom edge of the casting has been filed or not- notice the bottom of the G and the R are extremely close to the edge.

[daveham]

Huw,

Gotcha ! Will take a look this evening

[daveham]

Huw,

If the key is held up in the air the gap around the tag is uniform. Looking at both top and bottom of the tag there is no evidence of clipping or filing. I am of the firm opinion that the tag has always belonged to the key and of course I am curious to know the significance of your question? Are you of the opinion that the tag may be a later addition to the key ?