Vintage 1940s Mayer Hotel Peoria, IL Room 319 Fiber Key Fob & Original Skeleton Key - W.W. Wilcox Mfg. Co.
You are looking at an all-original, matching-numbers hotel key set from the historic Mayer Hotel in Peoria, Illinois - Room 319.
This is the classic brown fiber / hardboard fob that collectors call masonite-type, with its original hollow-barrel skeleton key still attached. Key number 319 stamped on the key matches the large embossed 319 on the fob.
Details:
• Front: MAYER HOTEL / PEORIA, ILL. / 319 (embossed) / DROP IN ANY MAIL BOX / WE GUARANTEE POSTAGE - black hot-stamp printing
• Back: W.W. WILCOX MFG. CO. / CHICAGO - stamped into the fiber
• Key: Original hollow-barrel skeleton key, trefoil bow stamped 319, double-bitted end, approx 3" long
• Fob: Approx 5" x 2-1/4" teardrop / lozenge shape, brown compressed fiber board - what most people call masonite. Dense, smooth faces with dark fibrous core visible at the hanging hole and edges. This is not plastic and not leather.
• Chain: Original S-hook chain, with age-appropriate surface rust / patina
About the Hotel & Age:
The Mayer Hotel was Peoria's grand downtown hotel at 200 North Adams, built on the old Peoria House site. It operated as HOTEL MAYER (AKA MAYER HOTEL) – 1906-1963 and is listed as Mayer Hotel, 1907 to 1963. It was destroyed by fire in 1963 when a guest's bedding caught fire and spread. 
Maker W.W. Wilcox in Chicago was the largest U.S. maker of these fobs. This exact slogan style is classic Wilcox: The key FOB reads “Drop In Any Mail Box We Guarantee Postage” and is marked on the back W.W. Wilcox Mfg. Co. Chicago. 
The skeleton key type is the dating clue - This type of skeleton key was used till late 1940's. Combined with the fiber construction and "Guarantee Postage" slogan, this set dates to late 1930s to mid-1940s, most likely early 1940s - well before the hotel burned. 
Condition:
Vintage used condition as photographed. Fob is solid with no cracks, embossing and printing are clear, some light edge wear and soiling from use. Chain and key show surface rust and age patina but are original and intact. See all 8 high-res photos - the close-up of the hanging hole shows the fiber / masonite construction.
A great, complete example of pre-war American hotel advertising - matching fob and key, from a hotel that no longer exists. Perfect for hotel key, advertising, Illinois / Peoria history, or W.W. Wilcox collectors.
Sold as-is, as found. Please see photos for condition.
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