Chamberlain's key with the number of the Bavarian... Lot 42

Chamberlain's key with the number of the Bavarian Elector Charles Theodore, from the end of the 18th century. The ring, almost round, is formed of two curved ribbons terminated with chimera heads that encircle the openwork and foliated CT cipher surmounted by an Elector's cap. The lower part of the ring, overhanging, is chiselled with a flattened grotesque mask. Small ringed bump, full cylindrical stem finished with a ball. Very thin flat bit pierced with four small discs. The number CT is that of Charles Theodore de Sulzbach (1724-1799) Elector Palatine who became Elector of Bavaria in 1777. Turned chased and gilded bronze. Late 18th century. Height: 14.1 cm Many keys of the same origin are known, including those kept in the Musée Le Secq des Tournelles in Rouen and in the Ansermet collection in Freiburg.