Austin - original vintage mid 1950s keychain - collector's item

An original Austin keychain which will have been produced in the mid 1950s.

We have just this one keychain to offer – when it has been sold this listing will be cancelled.

We did recently list & sell a similar Austin keychain but it had been produced in different enamel colours – black & red enamel rather than dark cobalt and light blue enamel as in this case.

We are rather surprised to have received this 2nd keychain as we didn’t expect to see another one although this one is different .

What a lovely little item this keychain is – and in really excellent condition – probably new old stock which has never been used .

A really special item of some historical significance .

The very earliest car ‘keyrings’ which were produced were actually these keychains .

These preceded the familiar keyring with a badge mounted onto a leather keyfob by 2 or 3 years.

This keychain has a jewellery quality vitreous enamel badge mounted onto a square gilt plated mount which is inlaid with genuine tan pigskin leather .

This mount is connected to the key clasp by means of a couple of links.

The clasp opens up as shown in the photos to allow a key or keys to be fitted.

Quite a small item – the square mount measures approx. one inch x one inch ( 25mm x 25mm )

The clasp is marked  ‘ PATENT – MADE IN ITALY ‘ – so this keychain will have been made in Italy .

We have occasionally seen similar keychains for other makes of vehicle also marked – MADE IN ITALY ‘.

This keychain is original & correct for use with any 1950s Austin motor car ,

The keychain in the photos is the actual one which you will receive .