Ancient Roman, Empire Bronze Key with a ring and opening teeth – 1st–3rd centuries CE. - 17 mm (No reserve price)
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Current bid
€ 5
No reserve price
Expert
Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 150 - € 200
 | €5 | |
|---|---|---|
 | €4 | |
| €2 | |
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Bronze Roman key with an oval ring grip and teeth for operating locks, dating to the 1st–3rd centuries AD, with dimensions 17 mm high, 43 mm wide and 10 cm deep.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Bronze Roman key with ring and opening teeth – 2nd–3rd centuries AD.
Culture: Roman Empire
Chronology attributed: 2nd–3rd centuries AD
Material: Cast bronze
Typology: Pin-tumbler lock key
Interesting bronze Roman key belonging to the ancient security mechanisms used during the High Empire.
It features an oval grasping ring, an elongated central body, and an upper end set at an angle, equipped with several teeth and projections intended to operate the interior pins of the lock.
These keys constituted an ingenious security system used in Ancient Rome to protect chests, coffers, furniture, and other compartments intended to store personal belongings, documents, and valuables.
The piece preserves an attractive archaeological patina in olive green, dark brown, and bronze tones, with wear and surface deposits that accentuate its historical character.
It is especially notable for its functional design, testimony to the technical knowledge of Roman artisans and the importance they attached to protecting their possessions.
An interesting piece of Roman archaeology that allows direct contemplation of the lock technology used about two thousand years ago.
Bronze Roman key with ring and opening teeth – 2nd–3rd centuries AD.
Culture: Roman Empire
Chronology attributed: 2nd–3rd centuries AD
Material: Cast bronze
Typology: Pin-tumbler lock key
Interesting bronze Roman key belonging to the ancient security mechanisms used during the High Empire.
It features an oval grasping ring, an elongated central body, and an upper end set at an angle, equipped with several teeth and projections intended to operate the interior pins of the lock.
These keys constituted an ingenious security system used in Ancient Rome to protect chests, coffers, furniture, and other compartments intended to store personal belongings, documents, and valuables.
The piece preserves an attractive archaeological patina in olive green, dark brown, and bronze tones, with wear and surface deposits that accentuate its historical character.
It is especially notable for its functional design, testimony to the technical knowledge of Roman artisans and the importance they attached to protecting their possessions.
An interesting piece of Roman archaeology that allows direct contemplation of the lock technology used about two thousand years ago.
Details
Culture
Ancient Roman, Empire
Century/timeframe
S. I-III DC
Name of object
Key with a ring and opening teeth – 1st–3rd centuries CE.
Acquired from
Gallery / Antique dealer
Year acquired
1960
Material
Bronze
Country acquired from
Spain
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Gallery / Antique dealer
Height
17 mm
Previous owner - year acquired
1950
Width
43 mm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Spain
Depth
10 cm
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
