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KEY (LOCKING)
Unique ID: WMID-E806A1
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation 
A complete copper alloy key, from a rotary lock, of Late Roman dating (AD 200 to AD 400).
The key consists of a circular bow with a rectangular stem projecting from one side. The bit of the key is also rectangular but is set at an angle of 90° to that of the stem, and then turns sideways to end in two triangular and one diamond-shaped teeth. No decoration is present.
The key measures 33.9 mm in length, 25.1 mm wide and is 11.5 mm thick. It weighs 13.3 g. The bow has an external diameter of 19.9mm and an internal one of 15.7 mm; it is 6.2 mm wide and 2.8 mm thick. The stem and bit measure 12.4 mm in length, 18.5 mm wide and is 11.5 mm thick. The key is a dark green colour, with an even surface patina.
The bit is characteristic of a Roman slide key of Manning's type 2.
Class: Manning type 2
Subsequent actions
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Chronology
Broad period: ROMAN
Period from: ROMAN
Period to: ROMAN
Date from: Circa AD 200
Date to: Circa AD 400
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Length: 33.9 mm
Width: 25.1 mm
Thickness: 11.5 mm
Weight: 13.3 g
Discovery dates
Date(s) of discovery: Monday 26th August 2013
Personal details
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Materials and construction
Spatial metadata
Region: West Midlands (European Region)County or Unitary authority: Staffordshire (County)
District: Lichfield (District)
Parish or ward: Whittington (Civil Parish)
Spatial coordinates
4 Figure: SK1710
Four figure Latitude: 52.68742638
Four figure longitude: -1.74994235
1:25K map: SK1710
1:10K map: SK11SE
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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