MEDIEVAL QUATREFOIL KEY?

[steve_rowlands]

Found this today I'm thinking this is what it is. I was wondering if anyone could confirm this and maybe narrow the date down a bit.

Any help appreciated.

[Digger RJ]

Nice!!! Congrats!!!

[steve_rowlands]

Thought may aswell share this Liz I 3 pence I also found today. 1580.

[CRUSADER]

They are generically called Medieval (14th C) Casket Keys.
However, I spoke with a specialist in Medieval locks & most locks would not have used that type of key on a small box/casket.

Therefore, I theorize that as some should signs of wear from suspension, they were like a lucky pendant hung from the neck. The Key is a religious symbol for the keys to the gates of haven held by St Peter. So it could be a St Peter cult?

[DCMatt]

A Medieval, copper alloy casket key, dating from about AD 1150 - 1350. It has a lozenge shaped bow with a central, circular perforation, separated from the stem by a bulbous collar. The stem is hollow at the bit end, and there is a rectangular bit, curved on the leading and outer edge corner (furthest from the stem), with a cleft in the front or leading edge. The key has a rough, dark green grey patina. It is 37.8mm long, 10.5mm wide and 3.7mm thick. It weighs 3.59g. Compare DENO-21DA05 which notes that Geoff Egan dates such keys to the late 12th to late 14th century (1998, "The Medieval Household", The Stationary Office London, p.111).

https://finds.org.uk/database/artefa...cord/id/919954

[steve_rowlands]

They are generically called Medieval (14th C) Casket Keys.
However, I spoke with a specialist in Medieval locks & most locks would not have used that type of key on a small box/casket.

Therefore, I theorize that as some should signs of wear from suspension, they were like a lucky pendant hung from the neck. The Key is a religious symbol for the keys to the gates of haven held by St Peter. So it could be a St Peter cult?

A back in the day religious cult sounds like an epic theory. This key was less than 20 yards from where I found the gold noble, maybe they belonged to the same person?

Thanks for replying

[steve_rowlands]

Thanks Matt for the link , it's very similar Indeed.

[Randy Combs]

Nice find, I am jealous

[steve_rowlands]

Nice find, I am jealous

Thanks Randy, the key was definitely my favourite find today.

[cmthunder]

Cool key and 3 pence

[WG2020]

Steve Rowland’s,

Nice find. Question on another topic, did you ever get your gold noble straightened and identified. I thought it was an amazing and rare find and was surprised it did make the banner. Good luck with your hunts and I hope you find another gold noble. Walt

[CRUSADER]

Steve Rowland’s,

Nice find. Question on another topic, did you ever get your gold noble straightened and identified. I thought it was an amazing and rare find and was surprised it did make the banner. Good luck with your hunts and I hope you find another gold noble. Walt

Agreed a no brainer banner, but thats not how it works around here, sadly....

[Florida Finder]

Very cool find!!!! keep it up!!!

[Wildcat1750]

Very nice!

[steve_rowlands]

Steve Rowland’s,

Nice find. Question on another topic, did you ever get your gold noble straightened and identified. I thought it was an amazing and rare find and was surprised it did make the banner. Good luck with your hunts and I hope you find another gold noble. Walt

The goldsmith I want to use is still closed to the public due to Covid 19 restrictions.
I will get it straightened and tag you in to thread so you can see the results.
Thanks for taking an interest.