No. 106398605

Sold
Ancient Roman, Empire 指輪一体型のブロンズ製キー  (No reserve price)
Final bid
€ 80
No reserve price
2 days ago

Ancient Roman, Empire 指輪一体型のブロンズ製キー (No reserve price)

This authentic Roman bronze key is a fine example of the ingenious combination of practicality and symbolism that characterized everyday life in the Roman world. Cast as a compact key with an integral finger ring, it could be worn directly on the hand or suspended from a cord or belt, ensuring that the owner always carried access to valuable possessions. The circular ring handle and robust rectangular bit reflect a classic Roman design intended for operating small caskets, strongboxes, jewelry chests, cabinets, or personal storage boxes. Such keys were often associated with wealth, trust, and household authority, making them important personal objects beyond their practical function. Beautifully preserved, the piece displays a rich dark archaeological patina acquired through centuries of burial, emphasizing its genuine age and historical authenticity. The elegant proportions and solid craftsmanship illustrate the remarkable metalworking skills of Roman artisans. In Roman culture, keys also carried symbolic meaning. They represented guardianship, responsibility, prosperity, and the protection of one's home and treasured belongings. Wearing a key could signify both social status and the confidence placed in its owner. Today this piece stands as a fascinating survivor from the Roman Empire—a wearable artifact connecting its modern owner directly with the daily life of an individual who lived nearly two millennia ago. A highly collectible Roman bronze key, combining historical significance, excellent preservation, and timeless symbolism of security, trust, and authority.

No. 106398605

Sold
Ancient Roman, Empire 指輪一体型のブロンズ製キー  (No reserve price)

Ancient Roman, Empire 指輪一体型のブロンズ製キー (No reserve price)

This authentic Roman bronze key is a fine example of the ingenious combination of practicality and symbolism that characterized everyday life in the Roman world. Cast as a compact key with an integral finger ring, it could be worn directly on the hand or suspended from a cord or belt, ensuring that the owner always carried access to valuable possessions.

The circular ring handle and robust rectangular bit reflect a classic Roman design intended for operating small caskets, strongboxes, jewelry chests, cabinets, or personal storage boxes. Such keys were often associated with wealth, trust, and household authority, making them important personal objects beyond their practical function.

Beautifully preserved, the piece displays a rich dark archaeological patina acquired through centuries of burial, emphasizing its genuine age and historical authenticity. The elegant proportions and solid craftsmanship illustrate the remarkable metalworking skills of Roman artisans.

In Roman culture, keys also carried symbolic meaning. They represented guardianship, responsibility, prosperity, and the protection of one's home and treasured belongings. Wearing a key could signify both social status and the confidence placed in its owner.

Today this piece stands as a fascinating survivor from the Roman Empire—a wearable artifact connecting its modern owner directly with the daily life of an individual who lived nearly two millennia ago.

A highly collectible Roman bronze key, combining historical significance, excellent preservation, and timeless symbolism of security, trust, and authority.

Final bid
€ 80
No reserve price
Ruth Garrido Vila
Expert
Estimate € 150 - € 200

Similar objects

For you in

考古学的発見物と遺物

Set a search alert
Set a search alert to get notified when new matches are available.

This object was featured in

                                        
                                                                                                    
                    
                                        
                                                                                                    
                    
                                        
                                                                                                    
                    
                                        
                                                                                                    
                    

How to buy on Catawiki

Learn more about our Buyer Protection

      1. Discover something special

      Browse through thousands of special objects selected by experts. View the photos, details and estimated value of each special object. 

      2. Place the top bid

      Find something you love and place the top bid. You can follow the auction to the end or let our system do the bidding for you. All you have to do is set a bid for the maximum amount you want to pay. 

      3. Make a secure payment

      Pay for your special object and we’ll keep your payment secure until it arrives safe and sound. We use a trusted payment system to handle all transactions. 

Have something similar to sell?

Whether you're new to online auctions or sell professionally, we can help you earn more for your special objects.

Sell your object