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Description: | A cast copper-alloy key. The key has a lozenge-shaped bow with quatrefoil framework (length: 31mm; width: 23mm). One of the loops making up this framework has been partially broken. At the top of the key above this framework, there is a double loop integrally cast with the rest of the key which protrudes out to one side. The loop has been damaged on one side. This could have possibly been used to attach the key from someone's belt.
There are slight remains of a collar just below the head (length: 11mm; width: 13mm) with an hollow oval-sectioned shank. The bit is very worn but consists of two prongs which have collars have way down and are open ended.
The condition of the key is quite poor. It has different levels of corrosion, particularly along the shank and the patina is a patchy green and brown. There is a small hole down the length of the shank which seems due to corrosion rather than breakage.
Parallels of this particular key have been found in a 14th century context (Read, 2001). The style of a lozenge bow appears throughout the 13th-14th centuries (Mills, 1999). | Format: | text/html | License: | http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/ | Publisher: | The Portable Antiquities Scheme | Rights holder: | The Portable Antiquities Scheme | Subjects: | archaeology | Temporal: | 1200
1399 | Source: | Portable Antiquities | Identifier: | http://www.finds.org.uk/database/artefac... | Language: | en-GB | Format: | text/html | Go to resource |
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