As part of the ELTE Heritage Coordination program run by the ELTE University Library and Archives, and funded by this year's collection preservation budget, the Rector's Office initiated the restoration of the historical dean's chain of the Faculty of Law and Political Science. The chain, which had been damaged over the decades, was restored by Szilvia Döbrentei, a goldsmith and restorer working for ARCHEOLORE Kft.
In addition to restoration, new, high-quality, durable storage cases were made for all four historical chains (the rector's and three faculty chains) by Tokkészítő Kft. to ensure their long-term preservation.
The chain of office for the Dean of the Faculty of Law and Political Science was made on May 3, 1960, at the Ötvös Studio of the Applied Arts Company, by master goldsmith József Péri. The chain of the Faculty of Law features a round emblem with a sword pointing upwards and a set of scales on the reverse side, bearing the inscription: "UNIVERSITAS SCIENTIARUM BUDAPESTINENSIS DE ROLANDO EÖTVÖS NOMINATA FACULTATIS POLITICO IURIDICAE DECANUS". The chain links alternate between a sword and scales and an open book with a paragraph symbol, separated by gold-plated links decorated with green enamel.
The chain was made for the 325th anniversary of ELTE, based on the decision of the University Council and the initiative of Rector Gyula Ortutay, based on the sketches of Gyula László. Thanks to the renovation, this university insignia of significant historical value can be preserved in a dignified manner for future generations.
Written by Bianka Kovács-Molnár
