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Alcatraz Brass Key Fob Chain Tag

By keithh1976, 16 October, 2018
Description

I found a brass tag that says 'Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary Cell Block B'. Although I am thinking that it is most likely something that was sold as a souvineer at some point, it is interesting to me and seems to have some age to it. I have only found a couple like it online but the lettering is different on the front and the others have 'Lowell Sigmund 1976' stamped on the back. Mine has nothing on the back of it. Please help. Thank you!

Category
General Antiques and Collectibles
Medium
Brass
Distinguishing marks
Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary San Francisco
Condition
Good
Size and dimensions of this item
1" Ă— 2 1/2"
Date Period
1970s?
For Sale?
No
Photos

keithh1976

6 years 6 months ago

Re: Alcatraz Brass Key Fob Chain Tag

Please Help

Average: 5 (1 vote)
Profile picture for user Thomas Gordyn

Thomas Gordyn

6 years 6 months ago

Re: Alcatraz Brass Key Fob Chain Tag

https://www.alcatrazhistory.com/regpage1.htm      An interesting read ... 

Keith

Lowell Sigmund inc I designed & mfg High end brass decorative gifts for the home & office . We sold retail stores in the U. S. & some in Europe.... Location Los Angeles 

The pieces you refered to dated 1976 are in all likelyhood remakes of the original as the Prison closed on March 21 1963. I would imagine a vintage remake from !976 on Etsy selling for $191.50 CDN (including shipping is a good deal.)

Through research I believe what you have is eaither a test piece by this company, an error that was not reverse stamped or actually a key fob from Cell Block B used circa 1934 - 1963.

I would encourage you to contact the museum located here

 https://www.nps.gov/museum/exhibits/alca/fedPrison.html

If this is a vintage remake I would estimate it $50. If its a remake error perhaps $75 - $100 ... but if you can validate it is real and period by providence from the museum. It could be worth much more perhaps $500 - $1000 .... or more in the right market,

Keith if you contact them and they can validate its real it would be very cool ... I would encourage you to do so and keep a copy of what they state (ex email) this would be providence and add value to your piece.. There are probably historians as well that could validate it. As a professional appraiser thats what I would personally do in this instance ... go to the source .. go to jail .. do not pass go nor get $200 : ) 

Thanks for sharing this piece ...

Kindest Regards ..

Thomas J. Gordyn

Certified Proffessional Appraiser - AIOA

Proud Member of The American Numismatic Association

No votes yet

Brandy0426

5 years 6 months ago

Re: Alcatraz Brass Key Fob Chain Tag

I also have one of these keychains and have been curious about it. Mine reads the same as the one pictured but the lettering isn't as thick and there are no markings on the back. I went to www.nps.gov/museum/exhibits/alco/fedPrison but didn't see any way to contact them.

No votes yet
Profile picture for user Thomas Gordyn

Thomas Gordyn

5 years 6 months ago

In reply to Re: Alcatraz Brass Key Fob Chain Tag by Brandy0426

Re: Alcatraz Brass Key Fob Chain Tag

Brandy ...

Try this link there is contact info on it.

https://www.nps.gov/alca/contacts.htm

The original page has been removed.

Regards

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