Ancient Roman Key Collection

Attention: due to customs regulations we can only ship inside the European Union. Please ensure you have a valid EU shipping address before placing a bid. A collection of four ancient Roman bronze keys in different forms and sizes. Each has a circular or oval bow, a straight or slightly widening stem and an angular bit designed to engage with a corresponding lock mechanism. Several examples feature moulded collars, small terminal projections and subtle decorative details. -> The Romans used several types of locks to secure doors, gates, chests, cabinets and small personal boxes. The shape and arrangement of a key's bit corresponded to the internal components of a particular lock, explaining the considerable variety encountered among surviving Roman keys. Size: ± 45 - 62.6 - 63.9 - 75.7 mm Condition Good solid condition. Varied green and brown patina with areas of earthen encrustation and mineral deposits. The principal elements of all four keys, including their bows, stems and bits, remain preserved. Minor surface irregularities and signs of wear consistent with age and use. Certificate of Authenticity (PDF) is available upon request for all lots with a hammer price of €100 or higher. -> The large openings in the bows allowed the keys to be handled easily or suspended from a cord, chain or belt fitting. Bronze was well suited to the production of relatively small keys because it could be cast into detailed forms and was more resistant to corrosion than iron. These practical objects provide a direct insight into Roman concepts of ownership, privacy and the protection of personal possessions. Keys were an important tool during the Roman period, serving both practical and symbolic purposes. The Romans developed sophisticated locking mechanisms and keys to secure buildings, valuables, and personal possessions. Roman keys were typically made of metal (bronze or iron) and varied in size from small, portable keys to larger ones for heavy-duty locks. Some keys were even decorative, reflecting the owner's status. The Romans advanced the pin-and-tumbler lock, which used pins to secure a bolt. Keys lifted the pins to open the lock, a design similar to modern locks. The Romans significantly refined the ward lock type key, creating more durable and intricate warded locks made of metal. This type of key used wards (projections inside the lock) to block unauthorized keys while the correct key had corresponding notches to bypass these wards. Women frequently wore "key rings," which were both functional and symbolic. A woman wearing such a ring was often seen as the keeper of the household and its possessions. The Romans’ innovations in key and lock design influenced later medieval and modern locking systems. Their ability to craft reliable, functional locks highlighted their ingenuity and understanding of metallurgy. Keys in Roman times were more than tools; they represented security, status, and the evolving complexity of daily life in the Empire.

Utropspris:SEK 2,781.48

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