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Description: | Cast copper alloy rotary key of probable medieval date (1150-1400). The key is broadly sub-rectangular in plan with an oval hollow cross section. The key is formed from a single sheet of copper alloy which has been rolled into a cylindrical tube. This forms the shank of the key. One end of the tube has been flattened and the terminal formed into a V shape. The flattened area has been pierced by a single hole (diameter: 3.5mm). The flattening of this area has caused the seam, which runs alongside one edge of the key to open. At the opposite end of the key the bit is formed from the same sheet that forms the shank. The bit has been crudely cut and shaped. The key measures 51mm in length, 10mm width and is 6.8mm thick (the bit of key measures 10mm length, 6mm width and is 0.8mm thick). The key weighs 4.09 grams. There are no obvious decorative elements on any face of the key. It is a mid - dark green colour with an even but slightly abraded patina. This abrasion and movement in the ploughsoil has caused the key to become asymmetrical and the edges to become rounded. Where the abrasion has been most significant the patina has been removed and light green active corrosion is present. The key itself is hollow and filled with a mid brown coloured earth. A direct parallel for this key has not been found. However a number of very similar rotary keys are shown in G. Egan's 'Medieval Households' pages 111-112. These are all dated from the late 12th - to late 14th centuries (1150-1400). Therefore a similar date is suggested here.
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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