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Description: | A complete wrought iron rotary key of possible Medieval, fourteenth century date (c. AD 1350 - c. AD 1400). Length 139.0mm, width 11.0mm. Weight 107.37g. The key has a kidney-shaped bow with a length of 29.0mm and a width of 52.0mm. The solid shank (or stem) is sub-square in cross-section and has maximum dimensions of about 11.0mm x 11.0mm. In length, the shank including the projecting tip beyond the bit, is 113.0mm. There is no collared shoulder at the junction of the bow and the shank. The bit is roughly square in plan and measures about 30.0mm x 30.0mm. It has a large symmetrical cross-shaped cleft at the centre which form wards to either side. The central upright cleft extends to the lower edge of the shank. The artefact is corroded overall and there is a longitudinal fracture extending from the bow along the centre of one side of the shank for a distance of 47.0mm. The key is similar but smaller than one found in an archaeological context at Billingsgate, London. This context was dated by ceramics to c. 1350-c. 1400. (Egan 1998, 115, fig. 89, ref. 317. However, it should be noted that the design of the bits of these keys are of notable difference.
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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