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KEY (LOCKING)
Unique ID: NMGW-194F2A
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Published 
Medieval or post medieval copper alloy rotary key probably from 13th to 17th century date
The key is near-complete but is heavily-corroded (with a length of 41.7mm and a weight of 5.1g). The bow is of circular to oval form (with a width of 14.8mm and a length of 16mm and internal diameter of 9.3mm - 9.6mm) and is flat sectioned (2.0mm thick). The shank is of sub-rectangular section, narrowing towards the bit (4.6mm x 3.1mm maximum). The end of the shank is solid and appears to have had a projecting tip, now truncated. The bit is comparatively deep (with a length of 17.4mm and a width of 14.2mm) but is heavily-corroded and has lost some of the detail. There are two clefts on the end of bit and a possible notch on the outside edge. The surface has a dark green, partly encrusted corrosion.
The key has few datable features and may be of a more recent date. The size of the key would suggest that it used with a rotary lock from a box, casket or similar.
Class: rotary
Subsequent actions
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Chronology
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
Period from: MEDIEVAL
Period to: POST MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 1200
Date to: Circa AD 1700
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Length: 41.7 mm
Weight: 5.1 g
Discovery dates
Date(s) of discovery: Monday 17th February 2014
Personal details
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Other reference numbers
Other reference: NMWPA 2014.226
Materials and construction
Primary material: Copper alloy
Manufacture method: Cast
Completeness: Complete
Spatial metadata
Region: Wales (European Region)County or Unitary authority: Powys (Unitary Authority)
District: Powys (Unitary Authority)
Parish or ward: Brecon (Community)
Spatial coordinates
4 Figure: SO0228
Four figure Latitude: 51.94184049
Four figure longitude: -3.42707444
1:25K map: SO0228
1:10K map: SO02NW
Grid reference source: GPS (from the finder)
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 1 metre square.
References cited
No references cited so far.
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Timeline of associated dates
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