Victorian Hidden Key Ring
From the Journal
Buying Antique Rings Online: Sizing, Resizing and Wearability
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An English gold ring of about 1870 with a secret: the head hinges open to reveal a tiny Bramah key.Joseph Bramah patented his high-security lock in 1784, and its multi-shafted key became a byword for safety. In the Victorian period miniature versions were fitted to jewellery boxes and safes; here the key is worn on the hand, so it could never be mislaid. With the ring on the finger, the head closes flush and hides it completely.The 12mm key would once have opened its owner's box of treasures. Faint scrolling engraving, softened by age, decorates the head.Clever, discreet and full of Victorian ingenuity.Details: c.1870; England; tests as 15K gold; key 12mm; UK O, US 7; 7.51g.Condition: Very good; the mechanism works smoothly. Some wear to the engraving, and possibly a missing outer tooth on the key, which makes it release easily. To keep the key in place, put the ring on with the key open, then close it on the finger.
An English gold ring of about 1870 with a secret: the head hinges open to reveal a tiny Bramah key.
Joseph Bramah patented his high-security lock in 1784, and its multi-shafted key became a byword for safety. In the Victorian period miniature versions were fitted to jewellery boxes and safes; here the key is worn on the hand, so it could never be mislaid. With the ring on the finger, the head closes flush and hides it completely.
The 12mm key would once have opened its owner's box of treasures. Faint scrolling engraving, softened by age, decorates the head.
Clever, discreet and full of Victorian ingenuity.
Details: c.1870; England; tests as 15K gold; key 12mm; UK O, US 7; 7.51g.
Condition: Very good; the mechanism works smoothly. Some wear to the engraving, and possibly a missing outer tooth on the key, which makes it release easily. To keep the key in place, put the ring on with the key open, then close it on the finger.
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