Late Roman/Early Byzantine Folding Key. Ca. 5th-11th century AD. Bronze, 40 mm, 15.58 g. A small cast bronze folding key with a flat, disc-shaped bow pierced by a central circular opening. The edge of the bow is shaped into a ring of rounded, radiating lobes, and its face is decorated with punched dots set around the opening. A short shank with incised transverse grooves is pinned between two projecting lugs of the bow, so that it can fold over the bow for carrying. It ends in a right-angled rectangular bit with a small round stud. Dark grey-green patina with pale earthen deposits. Combining practical security with an ingenious portable design, folding keys offer an intimate glimpse into everyday life in the Byzantine world. The ring-shaped handle allowed the key to be carried conveniently, Provenance: Bought in 2026 at a German auction house; previously in a private collection (further details not documented in our records). Purchase invoice on file. DISCOVER OUR CURRENT SELECTION Visit and follow our seller profile to explore all items offered by Logos Numismatics & Antiquities across current auctions and stay informed of new listings. IMPORTANT INFORMATION I. All items are authentic and lawfully acquired through established European auction houses; provenance is documented in our records. II. Every order includes one consolidated, signed certificate of authenticity and lawful provenance, recording each item's full attribution. III. Combined shipping is available only for items won in the same auction and settled as one Catawiki order. IV. For shipments outside the European Union, import licences, taxes, and related fees are the buyer's responsibility. Customs delays are beyond our control.