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Description: | A cast copper alloy rotary key. The handle /bow is incomplete, but the interior edge is moulded forming a rectangular slot bordered by curvaceous moulding. The stem is integral to the interior of the bow and protrudes from the midpoint of the vertical edge of what remains of the bow. The stem has a moulded collar which is decorated with transverse grooves and ridges. The stem, after the collar, is narrowed and solid and is a oval in section. The bit is an off-set angular 'S' shape in plan. The surface of the key has traces of a light green patina, otherwise the majority of the surface is abraded and has red copper corrosion. In length, from the handle to the terminal of the stem it is 43.96mm, and the widest point is the handle which is 21.26mm wide. The thickness of the stem is 6.08mm. It weighs 6.6g. The key dates to the Post Medieval period. Margeson (Margeson, S. 1993 Norwich Households; Medieval and Post Medieval Finds from Norwich Survey Excavations 1971-78 East Anglian Archaeology Report) illustrates a similar key, No. 1288 which is dated to the 17th century.
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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