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Description: | A cast copper alloy key terminal/ head (length: 38mm; width: 39.5mm; thickness: 5.2mm; diameter of collar/ top of shank: 13.9mm; weight: 27.53g). The head itself is roughly lozenge/ diamond shaped with a cross in the centre cut struck through to the other side (length: 13.9mm; width: 17.4mm). On each of the four sides outside the cross and nearer the edge, there are cut rectangular grooves (approximate length: 8.1mm; width: 3.4mm) on back and front, which do not penetrate still through. There are integrally cast copper alloy knobs along the outer edge of the bow and to either side and in line with the horizontal arm of the openwork cross in the centre of the head. The collar/ top of shank has been separately added onto the openworked key head and has a bar across the diameter. The rest of the shank and bit are missing. Additionally, there may have been a loop at the top of the key head for suspension as this area seems broken. The key terminal is in a slightly worn but fair condition with a few small areas of probable bronze disease on both faces of the openworked head. The artefact has a dark green- brown patina.A very similar design was found at Aldgate and is now part of the Museum of London collection (see London Museums Catalogues: No 7, 1940, pages 140, plate XXIX, ref no 13). This type of key has been classified as a Type VI in the catalogue, and may be dated to the 14th and 15th centuries. Keys with suspension loops may specific date to the 15th century.
Original Image | Publisher: | http://finds.org.uk | Source: | Portable Antiquities | Identifier: | http://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/r... | Go to resource |
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