|
Date: |
|
Description: | Incomplete Roman (150-410AD) cast copper alloy key. The key is incomplete with only the openwork trilobate or 'fleur de lys' handle surviving. It has a large central lobe measuring 28.52mm high, flanked by two smaller lobes, 20.39mm high. There is a worn break on the apex of the central lobe, where an integrally cast knop would have been located. There is a cast depression from the base of each lope towards a double rectangular collar, half of which is missing. The break at the base of the collar is worn and old, while the one across the collar is more recent with less wear. The iron shank and bit are missing, however a small amount of iron corrosion is visible on the base of the collar. The key handle has an overall length of 46.54mm, is 43.38mm wide, 6.91mm thick and weighs 31.49g. It has an even mid-green patina, with some areas of lighter green where the original surface has been removed. Similar examples can be seen in Crummy 1983, figure 142, number 4161.
Original Image | Publisher: | http://finds.org.uk | Source: | Portable Antiquities | Identifier: | http://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/r... | Go to resource |
|
|