Rights Holder: The Portable Antiquities Scheme
CC License:
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Unique ID: IOW-B5BAF1
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation
An almost complete, slightly misshapen and corroded Medieval rotary key (c. 1300-c. 1500 AD).
The key has a lozenge-shaped bow, a hollow shank and openwork bit.
The open bow is largely circular in cross-section with a rounded knop at each side and a hollow tubular outer end. It measures 25.75mm in length, 28.94mm in width and 7.59mm in thickness. Between the bow and the shank there is large bulbous collar which is contiguous with a much smaller collar next to the shank. The shank flares slightly in width and thickness from the bow to its open end. It is oval in cross-section throughout its length and is hollow to a depth of 20.25mm from its open end where a small portion is missing. The bit measures 15.27mm in height, 20.30mm in width and 4.01mm in thickness. Openwork in the bit consists of an inverted 'T' with three wards and two clefts below.
The surfaces are corroded and have a patchy dark green patina. Where the patina is absent the metal surface is reddish brown. The break is old.
Length: 69.59mm; width: 28.94mm; thickness (at the open end of the shank): 7.84mm. Weight: 23.77g.
Class: London type VI
Current location of find: Finder
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
Subperiod from: Early
Period from: MEDIEVAL
Subperiod to: Late
Period to: MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 1300
Date to: Circa AD 1500
Quantity: 1
Length: 69.59 mm
Width: 28.94 mm
Thickness: 7.84 mm
Weight: 23.77 g
Date(s) of discovery: Wednesday 16th May 2012
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Other reference: IOW2012-5-60
Primary material: Copper alloy
Manufacture method: Cast
Completeness: Incomplete
Grid reference source: GPS (from the finder)
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 1 metre square.
No references cited so far.