ROTARY KEY

Medieval or post medieval copper alloy rotary key probably from 13^th to 17^th century date

The key is incomplete, missing the bow and is corroded (with a surviving length of 29.5mm and a weight of 3.4g). The bow is incomplete but was likely to have been of circular to oval form (with a surviving width of 9.6mm). There is the suggestion of a moulding discernible on one side of the top of the shank but is now heavily-corroded. The shank is of irregular sub-circular section, being narrower on the mid-shank (4.0mm x 2.9mm) and wider at the bit (with a diameter of 4.4mm). The end of the shank is hollow, to accept a pin from the lock (4.7mm x 3.4mm diameter). The bit is corroded but appears to have had a cleft on each side beneath the shank. The surface has a pale to dark green patina.

Keys of this general form have been recovered from excavations in London dating from the 12^th to 14^th centuries (Egan, 1998, p 111)[1] in addition to later post medieval contexts (Margesson, 1993, pp 159-162)[2]. The size of the key and the decoration would seem to suggest it was used with a rotary lock from a box, casket or similar.

[1] Egan G., 1998; Medieval Finds from Excavations in London: 6; The Medieval Household Daily Living c.1150-1450; Museum Of London

[2] Margeson, S., 1993; Norwich Households: The Medieval and Post-Medieval Finds from Norwich Survey Excavations 1971-1978; East Anglian Archaeology Report No. 58, 1993