English, late 18th/ early 19th century

five keys inscribed respectively to the bow: Duke of S^t. Albans Hereditary Grand Falconer / G R IV Hyde Park Ride; Duke of S^t Albans / Bars on the Plain; Duke of S^t Albans; Duke of S^t Albans / Bayswater Gate and Grosvenor Bar; and HIS GRACE THE DUKE OF S^T ALBANS / BUSHY PARK N^O 16 1797; and one with an illegible engraving

Aubrey Beauclerk, 5th Duke of St Albans (1740–1802)

Overall the condition of the keys is good, with some wear and dirt to the surfaces consistent with age. There is darkening to the metal throughout and very minor oxidation and corrosion in a few areas. There are several minor nicks consistent with use, and there is some rubbing to the brass inlay. There is an illegible inscription to the unengraved bow. The metal stands are in good condition with minor wear.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This rare set of keys, inscribed with the titles of its former owners, the Dukes of St Albans, provides a fascinating insight into the privileges of access granted to aristocratic London residents around 1800. The late 18^th century saw an increased demand for private access to the royal parks, leading to the building of private gates to Hyde Park in the 1790s, with keys licensed individually by King George III. Although this practice was seemingly short-lived – in 1804 the monarch ceased to allow for such gates to be built – keys clearly continued to be issued by his successor, George IV, whose emblem is engraved on the bow of one of the present keys. Four of the keys are further inscribed with the names of the parks or respective gates to which they belonged, providing a valuable record of these historical entrances.

The dating of one of the keys to 1797 indicates that Aubrey Beauclerk, 5^th Duke of St Albans (1740-1802), was among the privileged few to be granted exclusive access to the royal parks by George III. A prominent member of his family, Beauclerk was famed for being an avid collector of antiquities, which he assembled during his travels to Rome and displayed at his London residence. His ducal title, along with the title of Hereditary Grand Falconer, passed to two of his sons, first Aubrey (6^th Duke), and later William (8^th Duke).

Compare a group of keys formerly in the Peter Phillips Collection, sold Sotheby's Olympia, 20 November 2002, lots 495 and 496.