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KEY (LOCKING)
Unique ID: LON-EFA2E0
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation 
A Roman copper alloy key (locking) finger ring dating 43-410AD. This is a finger ring with integral key. There is a plain band with an expanded rectangular bezel decoratively cast with a small rectangular projection from the upper and lower edges. Projecting from the band is the hollow shaft and rectangular web of the key. The bit has three notches along the edge with a notch on each of the sides. The copper alloy has a dull brown surface with a patch of green patina remaining on the inner surface of the key. The shape of the band is distorted and there is a split in the metal.
Dimensions: length of key: 17.20mm; width of key: 11.22mm; internal diameter of ring: 15.94mm; weight: 3.44g.
Class:
ring key
Sub class: Guiraud type 5a
Subsequent actions
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Chronology
Broad period: ROMAN
Subperiod from: Early
Period from: ROMAN
Subperiod to: Late
Period to: ROMAN
Date from: Circa AD 43
Date to: Circa AD 410
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Length: 17.2 mm
Width: 11.22 mm
Weight: 3.44 g
Diameter: 15.94 mm
Personal details
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Materials and construction
Primary material: Copper alloy
Manufacture method: Cast
Completeness: Complete
Spatial metadata
Region: London (European Region)County or Unitary authority: Greater London Authority (Greater London Authority)
District: Tower Hamlets (London Borough)
Parish or ward: St. Katharine's and Wapping (London Borough Ward)
Spatial coordinates
4 Figure: TQ3380
Four figure Latitude: 51.503293
Four figure longitude: -0.085156
1:25K map: TQ3380
1:10K map: TQ38SW
Grid reference source: From a paper map
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 10 metre square.
References cited
No references cited so far.
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Timeline of associated dates
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