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Description: | An incomplete copper alloy rotary key of probable Medieval dating (AD 1150 to AD 1400).Around 25% of the key is present, consisting of part of the bow and part of the shank. The key is irregular in shape and cross section. The bow is incomplete. It was probably sub circular in shape, with parts of the sides surviving. The shank is attached to the bow at the mid point of the right hand side. No collar is present at the junction between the bow and the shank. The incomplete shank consists of a partially hollow rod, rectangular in shape and circular in cross section.The key measures 18.4 mm in length, 26.2 mm wide and 6.6 mm thick. It weighs 5.2 gThe key is a mid to dark green colour and has an even surface patina.From the size of the key and it is likely that the key would have been used to lock a casket or chest rather than a door. 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 (1150-1400). Therefore a similar date is suggested here for this example.Several similar rotary keys have been recorded on the PAS database including: WMID-033700, WMID-8D3540 and WMID-986EE4.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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