BY JOSIAH KEY, 1692

Details

A WILLIAM & MARY ENGRAVED-BRASS-MOUNTED AND PARCEL-GILT BRONZE JEWEL-CASKET
BY JOSIAH KEY, 1692
Decorated overall with foliate scrolls, the rectangular moulded top with a central panel with interlaced strapwork enclosing a dark silver cut-velvet-lined interior, the front with a central cartouche decorated with a mask and oval medallion engraved '16 JOSIAH KEY 92', and flanked by rectangular moulded panels, the reverse centred by the 'Keye' crest of a griffin's head holding a key in its beak, the sides conformingly-decorated, above foliate-cast brass bun feet, losses to the decoration and panels
4½ in. (11 cm.) high; 9½ in. (23.5 cm.) wide; 5½ in. (14 cm.) deep

Provenance

Josiah Key, 1692, and by descent with the Keye family.

Special notice

No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 15% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.

Lot Essay

Josiah Key was a London-based clockmaker in the late 17th century, and is listed in G.H. Baillie, Watchmakers and Clockmakers of the World, vol. I, Essex, 1947, p. 179. Josiah Key is also known for the locks he produced for Hampton Court Palace.
The Keye crest of a griffin's head couped at the breast, holding a key in its beak is illustrated in J. Fairbairn, Fairbairn's Crests of the Families of Great Britain & Ireland, London, 1986, pl.9, fig. 12.

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