|
Date: |
|
Description: | A cast copper alloy rotary key. The key has a tubular stem 69.38mm in length with a ornate quatrefoil bow. The end of the projecting tip is missing, possibly due to a break. The break looks worn. The bit is sub-rectangular in shape and is formed of two prongs extending downwards from the stem. The prongs are parallel. A break on the underside of the bow suggests that a third prong would once have existed next to the surviving two. The break also looks worn and corroded, suggesting this happened in antiquity. The surviving prong nearest to the bow (the middle one) is sub-rectangular in shape; the bottom edge of the prong is slightly curved. On one surface of the prong two filed lines are visible (parallel to the stem) on the other side three filed lines are visible. The prong on the end is slightly more shaped. It has two clefts extending away from the main body of the key, the clefts form two wards. The same two and three filed lines, respectively are visible on the same sides of the bit as with the previous prong. Next to the bow on the lower and upper surfaces of the stem there is a moulded collar, formed on three collars. The terminating loop on the quatrefoil bow, is very worn and the metal has started to thin, indicating that the key was probably hung from the loop on either a strap or a chain. The key is a light greyish-green colour. Much of the original surface has been lost, as the metal is very pitted. This key dates from the medieval period. A study of the normal literature could not find a parallel.
Original Image | Publisher: | http://finds.org.uk | Source: | Portable Antiquities | Identifier: | http://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/r... | Go to resource |
|
|