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Description: | The cast copper-alloy terminal of a Roman key in the shape of an openwork fleur-de-lis. Measuring 58mm in length and 43mm in width with a thickness of c7mm. It is likely that an iron key stem fitted into this handle originally, as traces of corroded iron with a rectangular cross-section can be seen projecting from the base of the handle. The base of the handle is rectangular in cross-section and has parallel transverse mouldings across it. Above this it flares into the open work fleur-de-lis shape which has deep groove accentuating each lobe. The central lobe has a waisted rounded knob projecting from its upper edge. A very similar key handle has been discovered in excavations at Colchester and Crummy states that copper-alloy fleur-de-lis key handles for copper alloy or iron keys have been dated to post 150AD (Crummy 1983, 126, fig 142) other Suffolk examples include a handle from Chelmondiston, see SF-829DC6.
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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