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KEY (LOCKING)
Unique ID: SF-D7019C
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation 
An incomplete and somewhat distorted cast copper-alloy rotary key dating to the Medieval period, c. 1200-1400. It demonstrates a sub-oval bow (broken in one place) and rectangular-sectioned shaft which tapers to a point, below which is a broadly rectangular bit. It is bent at its midpoint in what is probably old damage, while the surfaces appear very eroded. Preserved in poor condition with an uneven greenish patina, it measures 46.73mm long (not accounting for the bend) while the bow is c. 13.79mm in diameter and the shaft c. c. 2.16mm thick at its midpoint. It weighs 4.43g.
Similar keys are recorded on the PAS database (see records SF-57D448 and WMID-2DD7F3) as well as from stratified archaeological excavations. A number of similar rotary keys are published by Egan (1998 , pp. 111-119) who argues that from their size and presence of a solid shank it is likely that they would have been utilised to lock doors rather than a casket or chest. He dates them broadly from 1200-1400.
Subsequent actions
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Chronology
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
Period from: MEDIEVAL
Period to: MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 1200
Date to: Circa AD 1400
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Length: 46.73 mm
Thickness: 2.16 mm
Weight: 4.43 g
Diameter: 13.79 mm
Discovery dates
Date(s) of discovery: Wednesday 22nd February 2017
Personal details
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Materials and construction
Primary material: Copper alloy
Manufacture method: Cast
Completeness: Complete
Spatial metadata
Region: Eastern (European Region)County or Unitary authority: Suffolk (County)
District: St. Edmundsbury (District)
To be known as: Poslingford
Spatial coordinates
Grid reference source: From 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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