Late Roman/Early Byzantine Bronze Folding Key - 40 mm (No reserve price)
00
days
18
hours
55
minutes
38
seconds
Current bid
€ 33
No reserve price
Expert
Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 150 - € 200
 | €33 | |
|---|---|---|
 | €28 | |
 | €23 | |
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Late Roman/Early Byzantine bronze folding key, dating to around the 5th–11th century AD and measuring 40 mm.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
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.
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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.
Seller's Story
Drawing on more than 15 years of collecting experience, we offer ancient and medieval coins and artefacts that tell the stories of the lands and peoples of the eastern Mediterranean and the Near East.
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.
Seller's Story
Drawing on more than 15 years of collecting experience, we offer ancient and medieval coins and artefacts that tell the stories of the lands and peoples of the eastern Mediterranean and the Near East.
Details
Culture
Late Roman/Early Byzantine
Century/timeframe
Ca. 5th-11th century AD
Name of object
Folding Key
Acquired from
Auction house
Year acquired
2026
Material
Bronze
Country acquired from
Germany
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Height
40 mm
Previous owner - year acquired
2026
Previous owner - country acquired from
Unknown
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
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.
