Of Edinburgh Interest: an 18ct gold presentation key, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, 1887-1897
by Hamilton & Inches, Edinburgh, 1900
With satin finish throughout, the bit incorporating the RIE monogram, to a two-coloured foliate-garlanded stem, the elaborate bow with central enamelled crest, comprising a three-towered castle flanked to either side by a Rod of Asclepius and the numbers '87' and '97', amidst pierced scrolling foliage, all beneath a Pelican in Her Piety and a banner inscribed 'PATET OMNIBUS', surmounted by a royal crown, the reverse inscribed with 'ROYAL INFIRMARY OF EDINBURGH DIAMOND JUBILEE PAVILLION 26 OCTOBER 1900', approximate length 14cm, approximate weight 72.2g, stamped '18', Edinburgh hallmarks for 1900, maker's mark H&I
Footnotes:
First established, in 1729, on the corner of South Bridge and Infirmary Street, The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh is the oldest voluntary hospital in Scotland. The later, David Bryce designed premises, completed in 1879, on the north side of the Meadows, fronting Lauriston Place, were claimed to be the largest voluntary hospital in the United Kingdom, and later the Empire. At this time, the new RIE was one of the first in Scotland to follow the pavilion plan, widely adopted for new hospital buildings from the 1860s. The new hospital had 600 beds, placed in eight three-storey ward pavilions, with one large ward per floor.

The pavilion plan enabled the primary requirements of separation and classification. Each ward was a self-contained unit, its occupants having no connection with any other ward, and thus hopefully preventing the spread of infection. Furthermore, each pavilion could serve a different classification of patient and allowed men and women to be separated. The adaptability of the plan made it ubiquitous for almost all types of hospitals for decades.

The current RIE was opened in 2003, on a large green-field site, south east of Edinburgh, at Little France. The new location reflects the need for the hospital to serve people living in Mid and East Lothian, as well as Edinburgh.

The Diamond Jubilee Pavilion, mentioned on this presentation key, is now renamed Jubilee Hall, and, following refurbishment, forms part of the Quartermile development at Lauriston Place, which combines various residential and commercial premises.

The yellow metal with some scratches consistent with age. Crisp detailing. Some enamel wear to the two serpents in particular - the left one with wear to tail end and the right one with wear to below head area. In good condition.
Patet Omnibus translates as Open to all.
Without presentation case.