North Adelaide Institute seal press, front door key to be archived

But in the late 19th century, paper-based versions might have had a wax seal on them.

A 7.47kg cast iron embossing seal press, used in the North Adelaide Institute, was found in a cupboard by Graeme Lange, a City of Adelaide volunteer who often gives history talks and walks.

Rather than see it be lost, Graeme has passed it - along with other items - to the City of Adelaide Archives for safe keeping.

According to the Heritage of the City of Adelaide: An Illustrated Guide, the Institute, on Tynte Street, was opened in 1884 during a "dynamic phase of urban and cultural development." Other sites constructed at this time included the Art Gallery of South Australia, Jervois Wing of the State Library and Torrens Weir. The Institute's building also included a hall, library and later an assembly room and a stage. A post office was built next door in a similar style to the Institute

"This complex is perhaps the ultimate example of multiple purpose development, the one building being financed cooperatively by public and private funds as a cultural centre, post office, meeting place, private residence and handsome public monument," the document says.

Graeme said when the Institute became an incorporated body in 1897, it needed an official wax seal to emboss formal agreements and documents.

"With insertion of envelope or document with a blot of melted wax into the press, depression of the handle over the blot would produce a seal showing the words 'The North Adelaide Institute', with the word 'Incorporated' in the centre - all in caps."

This press was manufactured by F. Burmeister, has a wooden handle and black enamel surface embellished with gold decorative lines and floral patterns. It was housed in a large black metal box measuring 31x12x12cm with the words 'Seal, N A Institute Incorporated' - all in capital letters - painted on the side.

Other items Graeme found at the Institute include its original front door key, a shared award to Frank Bonner and James B. Anderson for their service to the Institute, and a library book cover.

"They surfaced from various locations in the building cupboards, cabinets etc. - some just recently," he said.

"This has led me to collect them, research their provenance and prepare them for storage at a far better location."

Graeme wanted them placed in a safe space so they could be available for future generations to access for displays or talks.

"I believe it is important to do so in this way, as there are numerous examples of historical items being referred to, and now are missing. For example, there is a photograph of the original desk of the North Adelaide Institute Librarian - now missing and lost forever," he said.