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KEY (LOCKING)
Unique ID: KENT-CEC73C
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Published 
A complete cast copper-alloy key of Roman date (c.43-410).
Description: The key consists of a pennanular oval bow, the terminals of which project upwards into the negative space of the bow, creating a pelta-shape. The bow transitions into a trapezoidal rectangular-sectioned upper handle demarcated by a prominent three-ridged transverse collar at its upper and one at its lower edge. Below this, the hollow circular-sectioned shaft of the key extends, with a rectangular bit demonstrating two notches at its bottom edge projecting at a right angle to the shank and bow, creating three wards, and two further notches or clefts, one on each of the side edges so that they are parallel to the shank and bow. It has a dark grey patination.
Measurements: length:39.4mm; width:20.8mm; height: 17.7mm; weight:12.32g
Discussion: This type of Roman key is defined by the 'box' shaped upper stem, mimicking larger composite roman keys with boxey appartures on the upper stem for the insertion of a separate stem and bit. On the PAS small numbers of similar keys have been reported all of which are given wide roman dates. See:SF-84D6CD, CAM-6710A2, BH-1CB5C3 and NARC-4BD096 ) which are all assigned a generic Roman date.
Subsequent actions
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Chronology
Broad period: ROMAN
Period from: ROMAN
Period to: ROMAN
Date from: Circa AD 43
Date to: Circa AD 410
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Length: 39.4 mm
Height: 17.7 mm
Width: 20.8 mm
Weight: 12.32 g
Discovery dates
Date(s) of discovery: Monday 14th June 2021
Personal details
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Materials and construction
Primary material: Copper alloy
Manufacture method: Cast
Completeness: Complete
Spatial metadata
Region: South East (European Region)County or Unitary authority: Kent (County)
District: Maidstone (District)
Parish or ward: Hollingbourne (Civil Parish)
Spatial coordinates
4 Figure: TQ8156
Four figure Latitude: 51.27439708
Four figure longitude: 0.59353134
1:25K map: TQ8156
1:10K map: TQ85NW
Grid reference source: Generated from computer mapping software
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 100 metre square.
References cited
No references cited so far.
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Timeline of associated dates
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