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KEY (LOCKING)
Unique ID: BH-E4A8D3
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation 
A copper-alloy casket key of Medieval date.
The bow is circular in plan , has convex surfaces and possible evidence of wear at the top. The stem is of flattened-oval section, with a hollow tip. The bit takes the form of an inverted 'T'. The corroded surfaces exhibit traces of a black coating. The artefact measures 37.8mm long, 15.6mm wide and 4.3mm thick. The weight is 4.01g.
Several examples of casket keys were found in excavations in Winchester (see Biddle 1990: 1024-1036), in layers dating from the 12th to 14th centuries.
Subsequent actions
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Chronology
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
Period from: MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 1100
Date to: Circa AD 1400
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Length: 37.8 mm
Width: 15.6 mm
Thickness: 4.3 mm
Weight: 4.01 g
Discovery dates
Date(s) of discovery: Monday 10th May 2010
Personal details
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Other reference numbers
Other reference: Ver 10/82 - 10
Materials and construction
Primary material: Copper alloy
Manufacture method: Cast
Completeness: Complete
Spatial metadata
Region: Eastern (European Region)County or Unitary authority: Hertfordshire (County)
District: North Hertfordshire (District)
To be known as: Clothall
Spatial coordinates
Grid reference source: From a paper map
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 10 metre square.
References cited
| Author | Publication Year | Title | Publication Place | Publisher | Pages | Reference | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biddle, M. | 1990 | Artefacts from Medieval Winchester: Object and Economy in Medieval Winchester | Oxford | Clarendon Press | 1024-1036 |
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Timeline of associated dates
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