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.

Based on my examination of the provided image and description, this Hotel Russell Dublin Room Key with Fob appears to be a genuine vintage or antique hotel utility item. The visible dark patina, surface scratches, and overall wear are consistent with an object of its age and utilitarian purpose. The sans-serif typeface for 'HOTEL RUSSELL DUBLIN' and the skeleton key style align with the described period (late 19th to mid-20th century). The connection via two rings is a common method for such fobs. The absence of a room number is not unusual; these were often stamped on the reverse or a separate tag. The quality of craftsmanship is utilitarian, which is appropriate for a hotel key. While the item appears authentic, a full authentication would ideally involve in-person examination to assess the metal composition, detailed wear patterns, and any hidden markings, as well as a close comparison with known genuine Hotel Russell memorabilia or historical records. Provenance documentation, if available, would further solidify its authenticity. In terms of market conditions, vintage hotel keys, especially from historically significant hotels or specific locations like Dublin, have a modest but consistent collector base. Comparables for similar single vintage hotel keys with fobs generally range from $50 to $150, depending on the hotel's prestige, preservation, and rarity. The Hotel Russell was a notable establishment in Dublin, adding a layer of historical interest. Demand for such specific hotel keys is niche rather than broad. The key's functionality and aesthetic are typical, not exceptional, but its historical context is its primary value driver. Factors significantly impacting value include its good legibility despite wear, and its complete key-fob assembly. Damage to the key's bit or complete illegibility of the hotel name would significantly reduce its value. Given its condition and historical context, I would place its current appraisal value in the range of $75 to $125.