Chamberlain's key in chased and gilded bronze... Lot 46

Chamberlain's key in chased and gilded bronze from the 18th century. The ring is decorated with a chased medallion of coat of arms framed by two leafy volutes and surmounted by an elector's hat chased in light relief. A vase shaped boss decorated with the letters MA and MJ, the monogram of Maximilian-Joseph of Bavaria, and surmounted by cords of the Golden Fleece and Hubertus Orden. Long cylindrical drilled shaft, finished with a bit pierced with a cross, and with a flat protruding muzzle. The monogram is that of Maximilian III of Bavaria (1727-1777) and the ring is with the arms of Bavaria. Munich, mid-18th century. Height: 19.2 cm Reference: Identical piece Canz no. 53 and a neighbouring piece in the British Museum.