Ancient Roman

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.

Estimate:£126.3

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