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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 of the bow or handle and part of the shank. The rest of the shank and the bit are missing, presumed lost in antiquity.The bow is sub lentoid (diamond) in shape, with rounded knop projection, with two side projections located at the central point on the outside edge. A sub lentoid perforation (hole) is present at the centre of the bow, with two flat rectangular knops projecting (one from the top and one from the bottom). Two grooves are present on the lower knop. The bow has a rectangular cross section. The shank is attached to the bow at the mid point of the right hand side. A triple collar is present at the junction between the shank and the bow. It consists of a central wide band, with flanking thinner bands to either side.The shank consists of a partially hollow rod, hexagonal in shape and circular in cross section. Part of an air bubble is present in the break, indicating a possible casting flaw, which would make made the shank weaker in this area, and therefore more susceptible to fracture. The key measures 68.7 mm in length, 32.3 mm wide and 9.6 mm thick. It weighs 33.5 g.The key is a mid to dark green colour and has an even surface patina. From the size of the key and the presence of a partially hollow shank it is likely that the key would have been used to lock a door rather than a casket or a chest. Door locks tend to have a solid shank and are larger (ibid: 111). The keys illustrated in Egan (1998, 111-119) are all dated from the late 12th - to late 14th centuries (AD 1150 - AD 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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