Description
Victoria, Large ivory pass c. 1870s, for the Archbishop of Canterbury to pass through Horse Guards Gate and Constitutional Hill Gate, London. Ivory oval pass c. 1870s (89x58mm). Engraved, red inked crowned cypher VR. Rev. Engraved, red and black inked – HORSE GUARDS GATE AND CONSTITUTIONAL HILL GATE / HIS GRACE THE ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY / ON EXPIRY OF THE HOLDERS TERM OF OFFICE THIS TICKET SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE AND HOME OFFICE.
Extremely Fine, undamaged with unfaded colour to inked engraving, officially pierced for suspension. Unique.
Horse Guards was the official gateway into St James Park, to which the Crown controlled access, initially by a
password and later, from 1775, by issuing ivory passes that allowed carriages to pass through the archway. Only
the monarch was exempt, otherwise the Life Guards barred the way through the gate to all unless such a pass
was produced. They became a sign of particular Royal favour and were highly sought after. They are still in use
today (but in plastic) for members of the extended Royal Family and senior Government officials. From the style
of this pass it was probably made around 1870 which makes its first holder very likely Archibald Campbell Tait,
Archbishop of Canterbury 1868 to 1882.
*Please note that ivory is covered by CITES legislation and may be subject to export and other trade restrictions.
