This is a large (2 1/8") Victorian 9ct Gold watch key with a light amethyst coloured stone seal end, hand chased with a revolving suspension ring, & dating to around c.1880.

The key has a seal end inset with a shield shaped coloured stone, a hexagonal, tapering body which has been chased with a foliate design, & a lobed centre with a pinched waist, which holds a revolving suspension ring.

The body of the key is unmarked & acid tests at around 9 carat, & encases the small steel tube of the key & the metal, seal end, bezel (the stone is set within a liner).

Condition is Good with expected light wear around the end of the key & around the seal end. There is a very small bruise (pics 4 & 6) which has caused a very small hole in the hollow lobed centre although you need a loupe to notice this & it does not affect the appearance or structure in any way at all - very good for it's 130 years.

The coloured stone seal is in good condition with no chips or marks (probably some form of coloured glass) & the central suspension ring revolves freely.

The key is large for it's type & measures approx 2 1/8" or 5.5cm in length, with a total weight of 6.8 grammes (including the key end & stone).

Overall, a lovely Victorian 9ct Gold watch key which would look great as a fob or charm, etc.

Collection is welcome in the W Lothian / Edinburgh area.