https://www.ukdfd.co.uk/v46/templates/general_wide/img/logo.pngUKDFD Recording Software
https://www.ukdfd.co.uk/v46/
Keys and locks
https://www.ukdfd.co.uk/v46/artefact/roman/keys-and-locks.html
Key
https://www.ukdfd.co.uk/v46/artefact/roman/keys-and-locks/key-57618.html
Wed, 20 Sep 2023 19:57:41 GMTKeys and locks
Description:
A small rotary tumbler-lock key of the Roman period. The bow is sub-oval with a slot at the bottom of the aperture, which gives it a penannular appearance. The pedestal is of rectangular cross-section, slightly tapered, and has a rib at each end. The shank is of circular cross-section and has a hollow end. The bit, which is perpendicular to the plane of the bow and pedestal, has a frontal cleft and three teeth, one of which is now damaged and incomplete.
]]>
Key
https://www.ukdfd.co.uk/v46/artefact/roman/keys-and-locks/key-56101.html
Mon, 24 May 2021 15:42:19 GMTKeys and locks
Description:
A copper-alloy tumbler-lock sliding key of the Roman period. The key has a flat, sub-rectangular handle and a right-angled bit with four triangular 'teeth'. The handle has slightly concave sides and terminates in a sub-lozenge-shaped suspension loop. The front (upper face) of the handle is decorated with a pair of transverse grooves at each end and multiple punched dots overall. The back (lower face) is undecorated.
Evidence from excavations suggests that most keys of this type date mid-1st to mid-2nd century AD.
An incomplete copper-alloy finger-ring key of the Roman period. The pipe-ended stem and warded bit are intact, but approximately half of the hoop is missing.
]]>
Lock Hasp
https://www.ukdfd.co.uk/v46/artefact/roman/keys-and-locks/lock-hasp-3731.html
Thu, 29 Jun 2006 00:00:00 GMTKeys and locks
Description:
A small copper-alloy lock hasp from the locking mechanism on a Roman casket. Hinged at the top, with remaining evidence of an iron pin, for fixing to the chest-plate. Two perforated, decorative 'side lugs', single rectangular loop at the lower back for the bolt and up-turned lip on the front.
A Roman period knob-shaped lock-plate fastener*. It is of circular cross-section, generally convex in profile, but slightly flanged at the base. The upper end has a circular boss at the centre, surrounded by a concentric recess. The base is flat and has the remains of an iron shank embedded within it.
Although there is evidence of these objects being used to fasten lock plates to wood chests and boxes, it is possible that they also had other functional and decorative uses.
* Often identified as 'lock-pins', which can easily lead to them being confused with tumbler/bolt pins, which clearly they are not.
]]>
Lock Bolt
https://www.ukdfd.co.uk/v46/artefact/roman/keys-and-locks/lock-bolt-29186.html
Sat, 15 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMTKeys and locks
Description:
A copper-alloy sliding bolt from a tumbler lock of the Roman period. It has eight triangular apertures to receive the tumblers, which secured it in the locked position. To open the lock, a key with teeth corresponding to the apertures was used to disengage the tumblers and slide the bolt. The keyhole was slotted to allow the necessary movement. Slight damage at one end of the aperture panel.
]]>
Latch-lifter Key
https://www.ukdfd.co.uk/v46/artefact/roman/keys-and-locks/latch-lifter-key-357.html
Wed, 24 Aug 2005 00:00:00 GMTKeys and locks
Description:
Copper-alloy latch-lifter type key with L-shaped bit for use in a tumbler lock. The other end of the shaft has an old break but it thins and curves here suggesting that there was once a loop for suspension. There are two types of these keys known - the T-shape and the L-shape with the latter being the more common in Britain and more usually made of iron.
]]>
Lock-Plate Fastener
https://www.ukdfd.co.uk/v46/artefact/roman/keys-and-locks/lock-plate-fastener-54056.html
Thu, 29 Nov 2018 14:58:14 GMTKeys and locks
Description:
A Roman period lock-plate fastener*. The larger end is concave with a circular boss rising from the centre of the concavity. The smaller end is flat with a circular recess and possibly the stump of a broken shaft at the centre. Although there is evidence of these objects being used to fasten lock plates to wooden chests and boxes, it is possible that they also had other functional and decorative uses.
* Often identified as 'lock-pins', which can easily lead to them being confused with tumbler/bolt pins, which clearly they are not.