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KEY (LOCKING)
Unique ID: BH-E40483
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation 
A post-Medieval copper-alloy rotary key.
The bow is sub-oval and has two internal projections on its inner side. A ridged collar separates the bow from the oval-sectioned stem, the latter of which tapers towards its distal end, where there is a right-angled, rectangular bit.
Length: 33mm; height: 15.6mm; thickness: 4.2mm. Weight: 3.1g.
Similar keys are illustrated by Brian Read, who suggests a 16th century date (2001: Fig. 47, nos. 563 - 567/p. 67 - 68). This style of key was, however, commonly made for furniture as late as the 19th century.
Subsequent actions
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Chronology
Broad period: POST MEDIEVAL
Period from: POST MEDIEVAL
Period to: POST MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 1500
Date to: Circa AD 1850
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Length: 33 mm
Height: 15.6 mm
Thickness: 4.2 mm
Weight: 3.1 g
Discovery dates
Date(s) of discovery: Sunday 27th April 2014
Personal details
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Other reference numbers
Other reference: Ver 14/166 - 20
Materials and construction
Primary material: Copper alloy
Manufacture method: Cast
Completeness: Complete
Spatial metadata
Region: Eastern (European Region)County or Unitary authority: Bedford (Unitary Authority)
District: Bedford (Unitary Authority)
To be known as: Stagsden
Spatial coordinates
Grid reference source: Generated from computer mapping software
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 100 metre square.
References cited
| Author | Publication Year | Title | Publication Place | Publisher | Pages | Reference | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Read, B. | 2001 | Metal artefacts of antiquity: A catalogue of small finds from specific areas of the United Kingdom | Langport | Portcullis Publishing |
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Timeline of associated dates
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