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Peter Reynaers

An Ancient Roman bronze key ring featuring a thin, round loop and square-shaped protruding key. The key portion of the ring extends perpendicular to the loop and is centred with a meander motif. Some patination covering the surface.

The Romans were skilled locksmiths and produced finger-rings in the form of keys. The different shapes of the wards suggest that they were intended for use as keys rather than being merely decorative. Keys were considered a status symbol because the owner implied that he had valuable assets to protect by wearing them. Such rings are also believed to have symbolised marriage or betrothal, and were worn by Roman brides to signify their role in household management.

Measurements: Circa 1.7cm internal diameter; closest UK ring size J. 

Provenance: Ex Spanish collection, JV Gallery, Madrid, acquired 1970s-90s.


Circa 1st-4th Century

Ancient Roman Bronze Ring Key

Archaeology

Reserve price

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23 February

Location

Spain

United Kingdom

France

Belgium

The Netherlands

Germany

Austria

Italy

Czech Republic

United States

Denmark

Estonia

Poland

Taiwan

Norway

Portugal

Dimensions

Height

Width

Depth

Object

Ancient artwork

Ring

Ancient sculptures carvings and figurines

Ancient jewellery and beads

Ancient tools

Relic

Pendant

Ancient seals and stamps

Raw mineral

Ancient vessels

Carved mineral

Metaphysical stones

Ancient lanterns and oil lamps

Bracelet

Talisman

Oil lamp

Figure

Sculpture

Figurine

Bust

Vase

Sword

Spur

Country of origin

Unknown

Europe

Netherlands

Asia

Canada

China

Hungary

Switzerland

Cambodia

Dominican Republic

Myanmar/Burma

Madagascar

Nepal

Thailand

Hong Kong

Mexico

Material

Bronze

Terracotta

Silver

Pottery

Flint

Faience

Glass

Ceramic

Stone

Gold

Alabaster

Bone

Iron

Marble

Jasper

Carnelian

Lead

Wood

Stoneware

Steatite

Earthenware

Iron (cast/wrought)

Pewter/Tin

Sandstone

Schist

Condition

Good

Excellent

Very good

Very good +

Very good condition - slightly used with small signs of wear

Fair

Good condition - used with some signs of wear

Excellent condition: barely used with minimal signs of wear

Fair condition - used with visible signs of wear

Good condition

Good condition - used with small signs of aging & blemishes

Good condition - used with small signs of ageing

Excellent condition - barely used with minimal signs of wear

Natural

Excellent condition

Enhanced

Very used condition, significant signs of wear and tear

Poor

Very good condition, slightly used with small signs of wear

Fair condition -  heavily used & with possibly minor parts missing

Fair condition

Period

1650-1700

Cretaceous, Lower (145 - 100.5 million years)

Before 16th

Yuan-Ming Dynasty

Northern Song (960-1127)

Tang Dynasty (618-907)

Quaternary, Pleistocene (2.58 - 0.0117 million years)

1450-1500

1850-1900

Subject

Buddha

Deity

Woman

Zeus

Heracles

Horus

Bull

Osiris

Anubis

Thoth

Hathor

Isis

Buddhist figure

Fish

Style

Ancient Roman

Ancient Egyptian

Medieval, Crusaders Era

Medieval

Byzantine

Viking Era

Bronze Age

Neolithic

Ancient Chinese

Ancient Roman, Empire

Western Asiatic

Ancient Chinese, Tang Dynasty

Ancient Egypt, Late Period

Scythian

Ancient Greek

Paleolithic

Islamic

Celtic

Mesopotamian

Ancient Egypt, New Kingdom

Iron Age

Late Roman/Early Byzantine

Post-medieval

Ancient Chinese, Han dynasty

Ancient Chinese, Ming dynasty

Signature

Not signed

Replica

Colour

Beige

Archaeology

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Ancient Roman Bronze Ring Key

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