Rights Holder: Frank Basford
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KEY (LOCKING)
Unique ID: IOW-B5FDC6
Object type certainty: Probably
Workflow
status: Published 
Complete copper alloy Winchester Type 2 rotary key. Possibly of 10th century date. Length 41mm, width 35mm and 11mm thick. Weight 35.12g.
The relatively small bow is solid and not open like many other keys of this type. The stem is short and hollow with an external diameter of 10mm and an internal diameter of 5.5mm, depth of hollow 8mm. The bow and stem are separated by a collar of three moulded ribs. The central rib is much larger than the other two ribs. The bit is L-shaped in cross-section. Mid-way along the length of the L-shaped end is a small indentation. From the underside of the stem, the bit is 22mm in length and 16mm in width. However, at the lower and rear side of the bit is a small cleft.
The key is in generally good condition with some pitting of the surface especially on either side of the bit. There is an overall mid-green coloured patina. On the upper parts of the stem and also on the sides of the stem are traces of iron staining.
Class: Winchester type 2
Subsequent actions
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Chronology
Broad period: EARLY MEDIEVAL
Subperiod from: Late
Period from: EARLY MEDIEVAL
Subperiod to: Late
Period to: EARLY MEDIEVAL
Date from: AD 900
Date to: AD 1000
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Length: 41 mm
Width: 35 mm
Thickness: 11 mm
Weight: 35.12 g
Discovery dates
Date(s) of discovery: Thursday 23rd October 2003
Personal details
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Other reference numbers
Other reference: IOW2004-88
Materials and construction
Spatial metadata
Region: South East (European Region)County or Unitary authority: Isle of Wight (Unitary Authority)
District: Isle of Wight (Unitary Authority)
To be known as: Isle of Wight
Spatial coordinates
Grid reference source: From a paper map
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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