Context (Related Documents)
See catalogue card for sketch.
Event Date 1923
Author: Imogen Gunn (admin)

Context (Analysis)
Catalogue card in Cyril Fox's hand notes: 'Probably modern, though the form of the wands dates back to Roman times.'
Event Date 1923
Author: maa

Description (Physical description)
Catalogue card: 'Key of ' M' type with loop handle.'
Event Date 1923
Author: maa

Context (Analysis)
Similar slide keys can be found in the Museum's collection (e.g. 1948.983 and 1948.989 A-B) which are dated to the Roman period. However, the 'M'-shaped form is also found on keys in the Portable Antiquities Scheme's Database (see especially LIN-8AF3B7 and LANCUM-8B8457) which are entered as Early Medieval [Anglo Saxon]. Moreover, the catalogue card for this object notes a probable modern origin, which may be likely given the lack of corrosion on this iron object. Unfortunately, the lengthy historical span of both this form of latch key and the wrought iron technology of which it is made makes it extremely difficult to date. As such, the Period field has been filled as '?Roman; ?Anglo Saxon; ?Medieval; ?Post Medieval'.
Event Date 6/12/2018
Author: David Kay

Description (Physical description)
Wrought iron slide key with an 'M'-shaped pronged bit, long sub-cylindrical shank and flattened oblong bow terminating in a drawn taper of iron closed back on itself to form a sub-circular loop. The tip of one of the prongs of the bit is broken.
Event Date 6/12/2018
Author: David Kay

Context (Found together / assemblage)
Found in bag of twenty objects (nineteen keys and one staff head) (1921.266.1, 1921.266.4, 1921.266.8, 1921.1081-1082, 1921.1085, 1921.1606, 1922.780 A-B, 1923.213.10, 1923.276.20, 1923.1137, 1923.1169 A.1-D, 1923.1203, 1924.654 A and 1948.1705-1706) with handwritten card reading: "NO PROV.", and on the reverse in a different hand: "Spur, Anglo-Saxon, 24"
Event Date 22/1/2019
Author: David Kay