Accession No
1923.256.4
Description
Small casket key of cast copper alloy. Bow with circular loop; simple stem of rectangular form, oval cross-section; single T-shaped bit extends from the shank with hollow end to stem.
Place
Europe
Period
?Medieval ?Post Medieval ?17th century
Source
Ransom, William [collector]; Ransom, Francis [donor]
Department
Arch
Reference Numbers
1923.256.4
Cultural Affliation
Material
Metal; Copper alloy; ?Bronze
Local Term
Measurements
6mm x 14mm x 38mm
Events
Context (Found together / assemblage)
Found in bag of 18 keys (1904.357, 1907.202, 1910.84 A-C, 1911.2, 1917.110, 1917.116, 1918.143, 1918.204, 1923.256.3-4, 1923.276.11, BB 1912.676, TEMP.00724-00727) with a note reading 'N. P.' [no provenance].
Event Date
Author: David Kay
Context (Related Documents)
Catalogue card notes: 'Probably 17 century (S.C.)'. It is currently unclear whether this date refers to all of the 'odds and ends', or what (or who) 'S.C.' refers to.
Event Date 1923
Author: David Kay
Description (Physical description)
Catalogue card: 'Odds and ends in bronze of uncertain date and use. One pair of [unclear]ber tongs.' Added in a later hand, 'A bronze scabbard chape'.
Event Date 1923
Author: David Kay
Context (Analysis)
cf: Museum of London (1940) 'Medieval Catalogue' London: London Museum Catalogues
Event Date 1940
Author: David Kay
Description (Physical description)
Small casket key with circular pierced bow, pin shank and single bit with a key ward cut in both the front and rear edges.
Event Date 20/11/2018
Author: David Kay
Context (Analysis)
Cf. London Museum Medieval Catalogue Plate XXX, especially nos. 34-39 - a variety of small bronze/iron casket keys from London, dating from throughout the Medieval period. Given the resemblance between keys of this type and this particular key, and in addition to the information recorded on the catalogue card for 1923.256.1-4, the Period field has been changed from 'Post Medieval; ?17 Century AD' to '?Medieval; ?Post Medieval; ?17th century'.
Event Date 22/1/2019
Author: David Kay
Description (Physical description)
Small casket key of cast copper alloy. Bow with circular loop; simple stem of rectangular form, oval cross-section; single T-shaped bit extends from the shank with hollow end to stem.
Event Date 30/1/2024
Author: Clare McKenna
FM:282079
Images (Click to view full size):