Key used to open the Soldiers' Canteen, Delhi, 1919.
Silver alloy, probably made in India, 1919 (c).
Used to open the canteen by Gen Sir Charles Carmichael Monro (1860-1929), Commander-in-Chief in India 1916-1920.
Inscribed, 'Key of the Indian Soldiers Canteen Delhi Presented to the Commander in Chief Sir Charles [illegible, should be Monro GCMG, KCB]'.
Ornate head, bar shank and angular-toothed bit.
The point has an incised encircling ring and behind it, towards the head, is a girdling ridge.
The shank terminates before the head in a familiar ridge.
The head is openwork and consists of centrally a plain quatrefoil edged in twisted rope, with textured palmette sprays.
In green presentation case.