Collection Highlights
Negro Life at the South
1859
S-225
Oil on linen
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Museum Collections
Luce Center
Key
Object name
Key
Date
1863
Medium
Silver
Dimensions
Overall: 8 1/2 x 3 3/4 x 5/8 in. ( 21.6 x 9.5 x 1.6 cm )
Silver Weight: 8 oz (troy) 5 dwt (257 g)
Description
Silver skeleton key decorated with acanthus leaves at the center and base of the handle, and at the bottom end by the bit.
Credit Line
Gift of Mrs. Stephen Weart Giles, in the name of Stephen Weart Giles
Object Number
1914.18
Marks
engraved: along shaft above bit: "To John S. Giles, Esq., Treasurer / from the WIDOWS of the NEW YORK FIRE DEPARTMENT / 1863"
engraved: on front of bit: "Presented / April 15th 1863"
stamped: along side of bit: "WM GALE & SON / 925 STERLING"
Gallery Label
This key was presented to John Spencer Giles (1799-1880) by the widows of the New York Fire Department in 1863. Giles was one of the organizers of the Atlantic Hose Company No. 14 of the New York Volunteer Fire Department. He also served as treasurer of the Exempt Firemen's Association and the Widows and Orphans Fund.
Due to ongoing research, information about this object is subject to change.
