KEY (LOCKING)

An incomplete copper alloy rotary key of probable Medieval dating (AD 1150 to AD 1400).

The key is irregular in plan and cross section. The key can be described in several sections: The bow or handle, shank and bit.

The bow is sub lozenge in shape, with a circular collar projection located at the central point on the outside edge. The collar projection has a central upright. The shank is attached to the bow at the mid point of the right hand side with a wide collar either side of a swollen section.

The shank consists of an hollow rod, rectangular in plan and circular in section.

The bit is incomplete, with the clefts at the bottom missing. The remaining bit is rectangular with a horizontal groove top and bottom on one side and flat on the other.

The key measures 82.8 mm in length, 25.9 mm wide and 8.6 mm thick. It weighs 32.3 g

The key is a mid green colour and has an even surface patina.

From the size of the key and the presence of a hollow shank it is likely that the key would have been used to lock a casket or chest rather than a door. Door locks tend to have a solid shank and are larger (ibid: 111). The keys illustrated in Egan (1998, 111-119) are all dated from the late 12th - to late 14th centuries (AD 1150 - AD 1400). Therefore a similar date is suggested here for this example.

Reference:

Egan, G. Security Equipment in Egan 1998

Egan, G. 1998 The Medieval Household Daily Living c.1150-c.1450. Medieval finds from Excavations in London 6. London. Museum of London / The Stationery Office.