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Description: | Complete copper alloy medieval casket key. This key has an irregular circular bow with slight, moulded shoulders. The stem is oval in section and solid and ends in a blunt pointed tip. The simple bit is cut with a small, almost imperceptible cleft to either side. The key is abraded but retains most of its original surface with a mid green patina. Exposed surfaces are also mid green. It is 37.98 mm long, of which 14.4mm is the bow and shoulders. The bit is 8.56mm wide. It is 2.78mm thick across the stem and weighs 3.24g. This key dates from the 12th to 14th centuries. Examples of casket keys can be seen in Read, 2001, Metal artefacts of Antiquity, figures 45 and 46.
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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