Context (References)
cf: Museum of London (1940) 'Medieval Catalogue' London: London Museum Catalogues
Event Date 1940
Author: David Kay

Context (Analysis)
Cf. London Museum Medieval Catalogue, Plate XXX, no. 22 - a Type II key from Tower Hill, London. Type II keys are distinguished by their rolled sheet metal construction and circular/oval bows, and reportedly date from throughout the 11th-13th centuries, and possibly even later. As such, the Period field has been filled simply as 'Medieval'.
Event Date 23/1/2019
Author: David Kay

Description (Physical description)
Key with ovate bow, sub-cylindrical shank, and single bit bifurcated by a large vertical key ward, with a further two key wards cut in the front edge and a single additional ward on the back edge. The entire object is heavily corroded, to the extent that its original form is unclear, but it appears that the terminus of the shank was once hollow and has since been infilled with corroded material. The bow is also broken in one place. Despite this, the construction technique of rolling the shank and bit from sheet metal is still evident in a fissure running from above the bit down the bottom of shank and towards the bow.
Event Date 23/1/2019
Author: David Kay