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Ruth Garrido Vila

ITEM: Key
MATERIAL: Iron
CULTURE: Roman
PERIOD: 1st - 3rd Century A.D
DIMENSIONS: 24 mm x 50 mm
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex German private collection, acquired between 1970 - 1990

Bronze keys were essential tools in ancient Roman society, serving as both functional objects for securing doors and chests and symbolic items representing authority, ownership, and access. These keys were crafted from bronze, an alloy of copper and tin known for its durability and malleability, making it well-suited for the production of intricate objects like keys. Roman bronze keys varied in size and design, reflecting the diverse architectural styles and locking mechanisms of the time.

One of the most common types of Roman bronze keys was the ward key, characterized by its distinctive toothed or ridged blade designed to fit specific locks. These keys were used to secure various types of doors, chests, and storage containers, providing protection for valuable possessions and private spaces. The design of Roman bronze keys evolved over time, with later examples featuring more elaborate and decorative elements, such as ornate handles and engraved motifs, reflecting the artistic sensibilities of different periods and regions within the Roman Empire.

Beyond their practical function, Roman bronze keys held symbolic significance in Roman society. Owning a key signified authority and control over property, whether it be a household or a treasury. Keys were often associated with concepts of power, ownership, and access to both physical and metaphorical realms. In religious contexts, keys were also attributed to deities such as Janus, the Roman god of beginnings and transitions, who was depicted holding a key as a symbol of his role as the guardian of gates and passages.

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1st - 3rd Century A.D

Ancient Roman Iron Key  (No reserve price)

Archaeology

Reserve price

No reserve price

Budget

From

Closing date

Tuesday

25 October

tomorrow

Thursday

Friday

Monday

30 October

today

24 October

28 October

Wednesday

31 October

Location

The Netherlands

Spain

United Kingdom

Belgium

France

Germany

Austria

Italy

Hong Kong

Poland

United States

Czech Republic

Japan

Türkiye

Denmark

Israel

Portugal

Switzerland

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Bulgaria

Sweden

Taiwan

Size

XS (under 10 cm)

S (10–40 cm)

M (40–80 cm)

L (over 80 cm)

Dimensions

Height

Width

Depth

Object

Ancient sculptures carvings and figurines

Ancient jewellery and beads

Ancient tools

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Tool

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Country of origin

Netherlands

Europe

Unknown

Asia

Egypt

China

Myanmar/Burma

Hungary

Africa

Canada

Madagascar

Nepal

Laos

Material

Bronze

Terracotta

Silver

Glass

Faience

Gold-plated

Ceramic

Stone

Wood

Pottery

Flint

Alabaster

Gold

Bone

Iron

Marble

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Gender

Women

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Condition

Good

Excellent

Very good

Fair

Very good +

Excellent condition

Very good condition - slightly used with small signs of wear

Good condition - used with some signs of wear

Good condition

Good condition - used with small signs of aging & blemishes

As new - unused

Excellent condition - barely used with minimal signs of wear

Excellent condition: barely used with minimal signs of wear

Fair condition

Unissued/As new

Good condition - used with small signs of ageing

Poor

Enhanced

Manipulated

Fair condition -  heavily used & with possibly minor parts missing

Good condition, see description

Fair condition, see description

Natural

Composed

Period

2020+

1960-1970

1970-1980

1950-1960

1980-1990

1850-1900

Tang Dynasty (618-907)

Paleogene, Eocene (56 - 33.9 million years)

Cretaceous, Lower (145 - 100.5 million years)

1800-1850

15th century

1940-1950

1910-1920

1930-1940

1920-1930

Quaternary, Pleistocene (2.58 - 0.0117 million years)

1600-1650

Coral

Turquoise

Pearl

Freshwater cultured pearl

Lapis lazuli

Onyx

Blood Coral

Certification

No laboratory report

Non-CITES species

Fineness

9 kt.

18 kt.

Subject

Mythology

Male figures

Animals

Style

Ancient Roman

Archaeology

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Ancient Roman Iron Key (No reserve price)

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