Wmid-f54bd2 - Key (locking)

A complete copper alloy rotary key, of Medieval dating (AD 1150 - AD 1400). A number of very similar rotary keys are shown in G. Egan's 'Medieval Households' pages 111-119. From the size of the key and the presence of a solid shank it is likely that the key would have been used to lock a door rather than a casket or chest. Chest locks tend to have a hollow shank and are significantly smaller (ibid: 111). The keys illustrated in this volume 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. For more information, please visit the database record available at: https://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/1055870