Accession No

TEMP.00801


Description

Key with ovate, slightly double-cusped bow, pin shank narrowing towards terminus, and single bit cut with one key ward in the front edge and four in the bottom edge, dividing the bit into five segments. The entire object is highly corroded, with part of the bow missing, and possibly also a once projecting toe.


Place

Europe


Period

Medieval


Source


Department

Arch


Reference Numbers

TEMP.00801


Cultural Affliation


Material

Metal; Iron


Local Term


Measurements

11mm x 39mm x 128mm Weight 0.055kg


Events

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 XXXI, no. 50 - a Type VIIA key from Finsbury Circus, London. Type VIIA keys with circular/oval boys reportedly date from the 13th-14th century, whilst those with 'kidney-shaped' (i.e. cusped) bows are characteristic of the 15th century. The precise form of the bow on this key is unclear due to corrosion/breakage, so the Period field has been filled here simply as 'Medieval'.
Event Date 28/1/2019
Author: David Kay


Description (Physical description)
Key with ovate, slightly double-cusped bow, pin shank narrowing towards terminus, and single bit cut with one key ward in the front edge and four in the bottom edge, dividing the bit into five segments. The entire object is highly corroded, with part of the bow missing, and possibly also a once projecting toe.
Event Date 28/1/2019
Author: David Kay


FM:282626

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