1889 ANTIQUE Commemorative SOLID SILVER KEY + DUTY MARK

Welcome to my auction for this beautiful engraved and enamelled solid silver key presented to Mr J Holland Watson in 1890.

He was the President of the Farnworth and Kearsley (which is near Bolton, Lancashire) Industrial Co-operative Society Ltd.  See below for the full inscription on the reverse.

The key is hallmarked as follows:-

H & T = makers mark, possibly Hilliard & Thomason, Birmingham (google Birmingham silver makers marks)

Anchor & Lion = made in Birmingham

Lower case p in a circle = made in 1888-89 (key was presented in 1890)

Monarchs head = the Duty Mark, an excise levied on articles of gold and silver between the years 1784-85 and 1889-90.  The duty was collected by the Assay Offices at the time of marking and a special punch was used to denote the payment of duty.  It consisted of the Sovereigns head in profile, in this case Queen Victoria.

The enamelled front reads ‘Consilio et Animo’ which translates to ‘by skill and spirit’ or ‘by wisdom and courage’ according to the internet.  There is some slight chipping to the blue enamel which can be seen in the photo but to be honest I don’t think it detracts from what a lovely item and piece of history this key is.  They certainly don’t make quality items like this anymore.

The key weighs 46 grams and measures 4.5 inches long.

I have compiled a brief family history of James Holland Watson (from birth to death including census from 1851-1901 inclusive) which I will email to the winning bidder.

I had considered putting this into auction but their fees are quite expensive in comparison to eBay.  My buy it now price is the lower end of the estimate given by the auction house.

I am offering Paypal and postage by special delivery.  However, if the winning bidder is able to collect in person rather than relying on Royal Mail then payment should be cash on collection please.

I can provide more photos if required, just email me using the eBay link above.

Here’s the inscription:-

Presented to

Mr J Holland Watson

President

Of the Farnworth and Kearsley

Industrial Co-operative Society Ltd

On the occasion of

Opening the Co-operative Hall

Feb 22^nd 1890

Sorry, UK bidders only please.

Any questions or for more photos please email via eBay.

Thank you for looking and if you bid …….  Good Luck !

IMPORTANT - PLEASE READ BEFORE BIDDING

If you don’t intend to pay, don’t bid.  Non-payers WILL be reported to eBay.

• I describe my items as accurately and honestly as possible. 
• Bear in mind vintage/old items will not be ‘as new’.

PAYMENT

·        By PAYPAL within 48 hours of auction end .

·        Cash on collection, email your contact details after purchase.

POSTAGE

• I always obtain proof of postage – this item will be sent by Royal Mail Special Delivery.
• Combined postage available on multiple purchases where practical.
• Postage quoted is for the UK only.
• Dispatch times are after receipt of cleared payment.

Note to the winning bidder :-

• I always leave feedback after the winning bidder so I know the item has been received.
• Any problems, email me straight away so that we can sort things out amicably.
• Leaving negative feedback without communicating first is not fair.