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Keys and locks
https://www.ukdfd.co.uk/v46/artefact/post-medieval-to-modern/keys-and-locks.html
Lock Bolt
https://www.ukdfd.co.uk/v46/artefact/post-medieval-to-modern/keys-and-locks/lock-bolt-57465.html
Wed, 26 Jul 2023 19:49:25 GMTKeys and locks
Description:
A large iron deadbolt from a door lock. The bolt consists of a tapered rectangular-section bar with an expanded sub-square outer end. There are also two lobes midway along the length to facilitate forward and backward operation by the key. It is likely that part of the narrower end is missing, as the bar appears to be too short to provide for the required sliding of the bolt between the two staples that would have secured it to the case.
Dating of this type of deadbolt is problematic, as the basic design changed little over many centuries. It is noted, however, that the bolt was found in close proximity to a post-medieval iron key (UKDFD 57464).
A large iron door key of post-medieval date. The key has an oval bow with a slight internal swelling at the outer end, a circular-section shank with multiple collars and a simple bit.
A very small post-medieval padlock with a copper-alloy case and hasp, and an iron mechanism. The case is circular in plan, with two peripheral lugs for the hinged hasp, and a central keyhole in the front plate. The hasp is intact but a little distorted. Only corroded remains of the iron mechanism survive, visible behind the keyhole aperture. The front plate carries simple engraved linear decoration.
The size of the present padlock is smaller than many otherwise similar examples (see below), most of which tend to have a maximum dimension of between 25mm and 33mm. The dimensions shown, however, have been checked and confirmed by the recorder. It would seem likely that small decorated padlocks of this type were used on jewellery boxes or similar such containers.
A cast copper-alloy key of the early post-medieval period with a large kidney-shaped bow containing a pair of internal projections. The solid shank is of circular cross-section, with a double-ridged collar at the junction with the bow. It has an asymmetrical bit with clefts in front and back edges.
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Casket Key
https://www.ukdfd.co.uk/v46/artefact/post-medieval-to-modern/keys-and-locks/casket-key-55721.html
Tue, 17 Nov 2020 14:05:04 GMTKeys and locks
Description:
An incomplete cast copper-alloy casket key with heart-shaped bow and hollow circular-section stem. The stem is broken and the bit is now missing. The bow has a bi-lobed knop and there are three collars at the top of the stem. (A small pearl-like ball lodged at the upper end of the hollow stem is unlikely to be directly associated with the key.)
For a complete key of similar type, see UKDFD 50454.
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Key
https://www.ukdfd.co.uk/v46/artefact/post-medieval-to-modern/keys-and-locks/key-55662.html
Mon, 19 Oct 2020 18:29:23 GMTKeys and locks
Description:
A hollow-stemmed copper-alloy key for a tubular pin tumbler lock of the type often used on gaming and vending machines. The handle of the key is sub-triangular and stamped ACE on one side and I on the other. Keys of this type, and their associated locks, were made by the Chicago Lock Company (founded 1920, acquired by CompX 1999) and sold under the trademark 'Ace' since 1933.
A copper-alloy key, the use of which is uncertain. The key has an openwork bow or handle (now incomplete) and a stem that tapers to a blunt-pointed end. The shape of the stem would seem to preclude the possibility that it originally terminated in a normal turning-key bit, but a hooked end is plausible. The design of the bow suggests that the key was intended to be turned in use, but that its operation required little effort.
A closely similar object is recorded as PAS: CORN-0F42E4, but the suggested uses of either a netting vice key for crocheting or a button hook are not persuasive when compared with the examples of these objects illustrated in the source cited (Philip Walker, The Victorian Catalogue of Tools for Trades and Crafts).
A very small copper-alloy drawer or cabinet key. The key has an oval bow, internally peaked at the outer end, a plain hollow-ended stem and a simple bit.