|
Date: |
|
Description: | A cast copper alloy key, probably a casket key. The handle/bow is incomplete and was probably originally sub-circular in plan. The stem is oval in section and is solid except for the terminal which is tubular. The bit is a thick angular 'J' shape in plan. The surface of the key has a mid green coloured patina. In length, from the handle to the terminal of the stem it measures 30.74mm, and the widest point is the bit which is 10.7mm. It weighs 2.8g. Margeson (Margeson, S. 1993 Norwich Households; Medieval and Post Medieval Finds from Norwich Survey Excavations 1971-78. East Anglian Archaeology Report No. 58) illustrates a similar key, No. 1311. This is dated to the 13th to 14th centuries. Goodhall I.H. in Biddle (Biddle, M. 1990 Object and Economy in Medieval Winchester Clarendon Press, Oxford) illustrates similar keys also, Nos. 3759, 3772 and 3798 which date to mid 13th to the early 16th century.
Original Image | Publisher: | http://finds.org.uk | Source: | Portable Antiquities | Identifier: | http://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/r... | Go to resource |
|
|