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Description: | An incomplete Later Early-Medieval (Anglo-Saxon/Anglo-Scandinavian) cast copper-alloy key (900-1100).It has a flat bow measuring with flat projecting knops at the sides and a central circular perforation measuring 4mm in diameter. The shank is lozenge shaped in cross-section and measures 21mm in length. Beneath the shank is the integral bit which is roughly square in plan and cross-section. It has two internal regtangular projections. At the base of the bit is a small square projection with square notch on the interior. From this extends a T shaped projecting terminal that is uniform in thickness, rectangular in cross-section.The key has a dark brown patina and file marks are visible on each face.Similar keys have been recorded on the Portable Antiquities Scheme database. For example, see finds: BH-D397B3; HAMP-2A6FE4; HAMP-BBFF45; HESH-D2D0A6; IOW-0981F1; LANCUM-1E77A5; LIN-67C243; NMS-167491; SF-685597; SOM-BC3065 and WILT-E43E71.These slide keys are generally known as 'Viking keys' due to similarities in shape with excavated examples, however the T-shaped projections at the base of the bit remain unusual and no direct excavated parallels have been identified. This group of keys are tentatively dated to the 10th or 11th centuries AD (c. 900-c. 1100 AD) and with possible Anglo-Scandinavian influence, although it should be noted that this date range may be prone to adjustment through the recovery of examples from datable contexts.Dimensions: 50mm in length, 19mm in width, 3mm thick, 4.3g
Original Image | Publisher: | http://finds.org.uk | Source: | Portable Antiquities | Identifier: | https://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/ | Go to resource |
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