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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 the bow or handle. The shank and bit are missing, presumed lost in antiquity.The bow is sub lentoid (diamond) in shape, with a circular collar projection located at the central point on the outside edge. Four circular perforations (holes) are present in the bow, positioned irregularly. Internal diameter of the holes is 5.2 mm. It has a rectangular cross section. A break is present where the bow would have attached to the shank.The key measures 34.3 mm in length, 32.4 mm wide and 12.5 mm thick. It weighs 17.5 gThe key is a dark green colour and has an even surface patina.From the size of the key and the presence of a hollow shank 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 (AD 1150 - AD 1400). Therefore a similar date is suggested here for this example.A similar but more complete key has been recorded on the PAS database as WMID-643E11.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: | https://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/ | Go to resource |
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