KEY (LOCKING)

A copper-alloy casket key with an open trefoil-shaped bow, probably of Medieval (c.AD 1150 - 1500 AD) date.

Description: The key has a oval in cross-section stem, projecting from bottom of a triolbate bow. Between the bow and the stem is a circumferential collar forming the shoulders. The bow measures 16.32 x 16.32mm and has a small square notch at its base, between the lower two lobes. The bit is rectangular with an inner facing cleft and a lower cleft creating a minor measuring 4.91 x 4.09 x 1.81mm. The stem is hollow and drilled. It is patinated a light green colour..

Measurements: Length (overall) : 37.88 mm. Width (Bow) : 16.32 mm. Thickness (stem) : 3.14 mm

Discussion: Although the bow is not easily paralleled beyond WILT-B91DF1 and LANCUM-BA8257. However the general size, form of the stem, shoulder collar and the fact the bow is flat fits a group of keys classified as Goodall (1990) type 9, although the trilobate group is not represented in them. It does however cover simply warded rectangular bits as on this example and WILT-B91DF1 and more complicated curled bits as on LANCUM-BA8257. Dating from examples at Salisbury (Schuster et al. 2012, 166) and London (Egan 1998, 112) seem to point to a date from the mid/late 12th century to 14th century, with the type petering out some point in the 15th century in copper-alloy and then resurfacing in the 16th century in Iron, with iron examples rare until that point..