Custom Printed Key to the City Shadow Box

A key to the city shadow box is a wall display case that mounts a ceremonial oversized key next to an engraved plate. Mayors' offices, city councils, and civic groups use it to present the key to the city honor in a form the recipient can hang and keep. The engraved plate records the recipient's name and the occasion, so the award stays readable long after the ceremony ends.

A key to the city shadow box displays a three-dimensional 8 inch key inside a 1-1/2 inch deep case, while a plaque is a flat board carrying engraving alone. The key itself does the symbolic work and the plate supplies the wording, so the recipient sees the actual object handed over at the ceremony. Buyers choose a plaque instead when the award is text only and no physical key changes hands.

Most plates carry the recipient's name, the honor being given, the presenting city or organization, and the date. The standard plate measures 6 by 1 inches, and the taller 6 by 1-1/2 inch plate is available when the wording runs longer or includes a short citation. Send the copy exactly as it should read, including titles and spelling, because we engrave from the text you supply.

Cities present key to the city awards to visiting dignitaries, retiring mayors and council members, first responders, championship hometown teams, longtime business owners honored at chamber events, and returning military members. The same format also appears at town anniversaries, ribbon cuttings, and centennial celebrations. Private organizations adapt it for founders, major donors, and retiring executives.

Wipe the walnut frame with a dry microfiber cloth and lift dust off the black velvet with a soft brush or a lint roller. Keep liquid cleaners and furniture polish away from both the velvet and the gold key finish, since sprays leave marks that do not brush out. Hang the case out of direct sunlight, which fades velvet and darkens wood unevenly over time.

Pricing is quoted per piece and moves with three factors: the order quantity, the plate size you choose, and the amount of engraved copy. The optional 6 by 1-1/2 inch plate carries an added charge over the standard 6 by 1 inch plate. Larger quantities lower the per-unit cost, so include your recipient count when you ask for a quote.

Yes, each plate is engraved separately, so every recipient in the same order gets their own name, title, and date. Send the full list of names spelled as they should appear on the finished plates. We return a layout proof for approval before any engraving begins.

No approval process applies to buying the display case, because the honor itself is conferred by the city or organization that presents it. The plate is engraved with whatever issuing body you name, so mayors' offices, chambers of commerce, and private groups all order the same format. Confirm the exact spelling of the office and the official's title with the presenting body before you submit your copy.