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Description: | An incomplete copper alloy rotary key of probable Medieval dating (AD 1150 to AD 1400).Approximately 50% of the key is present, consisting only of the bow or handle. The shank and bit are missing, presumed lost in antiquity. The bow is sub circular in shape, with two sub circular projections located at the central point on the outside edge. An openwork cross is present in the centre of the bow, with a rectangular perforation located in each quarter of the cross. It has a rectangular cross section. The shank is attached to the bow at the mid point of the right hand side. An offset square collar is present at the junction between the bow and the shank. Each face of the collar exhibits an inscribed saltire cross. The key measures 40.54 mm in length, 39.84 mm wide and 14.71 mm thick. It weighs 24.3 g.The key is a dark green colour and has an even surface patina. Abrasion, caused by movement whilst within the plough soil, has resulted in the loss of a small amount of the original surface, leaving a slightly lighter green colour, on the raised edges of the collar. These areas should be monitored for signs of active copper corrosion occurring (such as a bright green powdery residue). To reduce the risk of this happening, the key should be stored in a sealed air tight environment, such as a tupperware box with a liquid seal, lined with silica gel and acid free tissue paper.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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