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.

 

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[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]

[FONT=&quot]A Medieval, copper alloy casket key, dating from about [/FONT]AD[FONT=&quot] 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. [/FONT][FONT=&quot]It is 37.8mm long, 10.5mm wide and 3.7mm thick. It weighs 3.59g. Compare [/FONT][FONT=&quot]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).[/FONT]

https://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/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.

 

[steve_rowlands]

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

Maybe a straightened Noble will make the grade?
Tbh I will offer it to the farmer, when all others said no he was the only one who had the faith to give us a chance, without his kindness I would never of had that amazing moment.
Knowing him he'll probably say keep it.

 

[CRUSADER]

Maybe a straightened Noble will make the grade?
Tbh I will offer it to the farmer, when all others said no he was the only one who had the faith to give us a chance, without his kindness I would never of had that amazing moment.
Knowing him he'll probably say keep it.

Very generous offer. We have given away 3 Celtic Gold Coins, but only after finding our second/third of its type. Personally I won't offer a coin I only have 1 of as I'm a keen collector.
However, what I do know is stories like that get shared with other land-owners & before you know they will be asking you to detect their land, not the other way around. In my eyes the fact you even told the owner you found it, shows your not like many of the others.

 

[OtakuDude]

Perhaps it's a chastity belt key