MEDIEVAL QUATREFOIL KEY?

steve_rowlands

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Sep 21, 2017
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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. 20210220_134006.jpg20210220_134016.jpg20210220_134029.jpg
 

Upvote 15
Thought may aswell share this Liz I 3 pence I also found today. 1580.20210220_133141.jpg20210220_133311.jpg
 

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?
 

[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
 

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
 

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

Cool key and 3 pence
 

Last edited:
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
 

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....
 

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.
 

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.
 

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.:thumbsup: In my eyes the fact you even told the owner you found it, shows your not like many of the others.
 

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