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Description: | An incomplete cast copper alloy rotary key of probable Medieval dating (AD 1150 to AD 1400).Approximately 25% of the key is present, with only the bow and part of the shank present. The rest of the shank and bit are missing, presumably lost in antiquity.The bow is sub lentoid (diamond) in plan. Four circular perforations (holes) are present in the bow, positioned irregularly. A diagonal rib is present between each of the holes and extends onto the edge of the bow. It has a rectangular cross section. The shank is attached to the bow at the mid point of the right hand side. A collar, consisting of two vertical ribs with a central slightly raised area, is present at the junction between shank and bow. The shank is solid and rectangular in section. The shank has broken at the base of the collar.The key measures 36.08 mm in length, 24.44 mm wide and is 7.45 mm thick. It weighs 12.6 grams.The key is a dark green colour, with an uneven surface patina. The patina has flaked away from the surface in a couple of areas, leaving a lighter green area. These areas should be monitored for signs of active copper corrosion from occurring (a bright green powdery residue). To reduce the risk of this happening, the key should be stored in a sealed, air tight, dry box, such as a tupperware container, lined with acid free tissue and silica gel.From the size of the key and the presence of a solid shank it is likely that the key would have been used to lock a door rather than a casket or chest. Chest locks tend to have a hollow shank and are significantly smaller (ibid: 111). The keys illustrated in Egan (1998, 111-119) are all dated from the late 12th - to late 14th centuries (1150-1400). Therefore a similar date is suggested here for this example.Reference:Egan, G. Security Equipment in Egan 1998Egan, G. 1998 The Medieval Household Daily Living c.1150-c.1450. Medieval finds from Excavations in London 6. London. Museum of London / The Stationery Office.
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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