Hotel Appraisal

Hotel Russell Dublin Room Key with Fob

This item is an antique or vintage room key, likely made of brass or a brass alloy, attached to a distinctive rectangular metal fob. The key itself is a traditional skeleton key style with a visibly intricate bit, suggesting it was designed for an older-style lock mechanism rather than a modern pin-tumbler lock. The key exhibits a dark, aged patina, indicative of significant use and exposure over time. The key is connected to the fob by two metal rings: a smaller, thicker ring directly attached to the key's bow (the handle part) and a larger, thinner split ring that connects the smaller ring to the fob. The fob is rectangular with slightly rounded corners and appears to be made of a similar metallic material, possibly brass, judging by its aged, brownish-gold hue and visible oxidation. It is embossed or stamped with the text "HOTEL RUSSELL" on the upper line and "DUBLIN" on the lower line, in a sans-serif typeface, which is still largely legible despite the wear. There are no obvious room numbers visible, but this type of key and fob typically would have had a room number stamped on the reverse side or below the hotel name. The overall condition suggests considerable age and use, with surface scratches and darkening consistent with a utilitarian object from an active hotel. The simple, functional design of both the key and the fob points to a style popular from the late 19th through the mid-20th century. The quality of craftsmanship is functional rather than ornate, typical for a hotel utility item of its era.