Ancient Roman bronze keychain - 40 mm - 1st/3rd centuries AD - large patina Metal Keyring - 40 mm (No reserve price)
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Current bid
€ 25
No reserve price
Expert
Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 150 - € 200
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Ancient Roman bronze key fob, 40 × 20 × 9 mm, green patina, weight 10.71 g, from a private collection, dating to the 1st–3rd century AD.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
During the early Roman Empire, a new type of key like this emerged; they were complex and intricate, often forming strange angles and zigzags. Some had interwoven grooves and peculiar shapes with holes, inserted horizontally into the lock with the tips facing upward, moving laterally to release the bolt.
Since the Romans did not have pockets in their tunics, keys were small enough to occasionally be placed on a finger like a ring, serving a dual purpose—not only as decoration but also for practical use, especially if the owner was in charge of a storage room, a treasure chamber, a chest with valuables, or a safe.
Material: bronze / beautiful soft green patina
Condition: Very good / Usable / See photos
Date: Romano - 1st - 3rd century AD.
Dimensions: total size 40 x 20 x 9 mm.
Weight: 10.71 g
Condition: very good, --Without repairs or alterations.
Use the images to form your personal opinion.
The authenticity is totally guaranteed.
Origin:
Acquired by the current owner in 2004 in Madrid (Spain) on the Art and Antiques market.
Collected since: 1980.
Previous ownership history: former private collection of a Spanish collector.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This item comes from an ancient private collection, not a company. Its authenticity and period have been verified and acknowledged by Catawiki experts using their own various methods.
I suggest that you keep a copy of the auction, which will serve as a Certificate of Authenticity.
The seller will arrange for all necessary permits.
Shipments outside the EU are not made.
The seller guarantees that they acquired this piece legally.
Catawiki has seen documentation proving this provenance.
Important information that the seller guarantees that he has the right to sell/export this lot.
See images for proper printing
497/deme 4
During the early Roman Empire, a new type of key like this emerged; they were complex and intricate, often forming strange angles and zigzags. Some had interwoven grooves and peculiar shapes with holes, inserted horizontally into the lock with the tips facing upward, moving laterally to release the bolt.
Since the Romans did not have pockets in their tunics, keys were small enough to occasionally be placed on a finger like a ring, serving a dual purpose—not only as decoration but also for practical use, especially if the owner was in charge of a storage room, a treasure chamber, a chest with valuables, or a safe.
Material: bronze / beautiful soft green patina
Condition: Very good / Usable / See photos
Date: Romano - 1st - 3rd century AD.
Dimensions: total size 40 x 20 x 9 mm.
Weight: 10.71 g
Condition: very good, --Without repairs or alterations.
Use the images to form your personal opinion.
The authenticity is totally guaranteed.
Origin:
Acquired by the current owner in 2004 in Madrid (Spain) on the Art and Antiques market.
Collected since: 1980.
Previous ownership history: former private collection of a Spanish collector.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This item comes from an ancient private collection, not a company. Its authenticity and period have been verified and acknowledged by Catawiki experts using their own various methods.
I suggest that you keep a copy of the auction, which will serve as a Certificate of Authenticity.
The seller will arrange for all necessary permits.
Shipments outside the EU are not made.
The seller guarantees that they acquired this piece legally.
Catawiki has seen documentation proving this provenance.
Important information that the seller guarantees that he has the right to sell/export this lot.
See images for proper printing
497/deme 4
Details
Era
Before 1400
Culture
Ancient Roman bronze keychain - 40 mm - 1st/3rd centuries AD - large patina
Century/ Timeframe
1º al 3º DC.
Colour
Green
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2004
Material
Metal
Country acquired from
Spain
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Previous owner - year acquired
1870
Condition
Excellent condition, barely used with minimal signs of wear
Previous owner - country acquired from
Germany
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Height
40 mm
Width
20 mm
Depth
9 mm
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.
