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Description: | A copper-alloy key of Roman date (see B. Read; 2001; pp. 69; no. 521 for a similar example).The object has been cast in two pieces, the stem having been slotted into the base of the bow. The bow is clearly made of copper-alloy, whereas the metal used for the stem is uncertain. In most examples of this type of key the stem is made of iron, but this stem has no magnetic attraction and the find has been treated with an unidentified black substance, which renders visual identification impossible. The openwork bow is ornate and has a large central loop (worn at the top) with a smaller loop either side; the aperture of these loops is rounded at the top and decreases to a point at the bottom. The bottom of the bow has a central column and there is a small concave portion on the underside of the two smaller bow loops. The bow is separated from the stem by a moulded collar comprising two transverse ridges, one either side of central depression. The stem is of circular section and is hollow. The bit lies parallel with the stem and consists of a horizontal channel above four wards and three clefts.The key is slightly damaged at the end of the stem, but is otherwise in good condition. It measures 130mm long, by 36.9mm high and 12mm thick; the weight is 83.22g.
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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