Roman Cast Bronze Lift Key
Roman Cast Bronze Lift Key
Roman Cast Bronze Lift Key
Roman Cast Bronze Lift Key
Roman Cast Bronze Lift Key
Roman Cast Bronze Lift Key
Roman Cast Bronze Lift Key
Roman Cast Bronze Lift Key
Roman Cast Bronze Lift Key
Roman Cast Bronze Lift Key
Roman Cast Bronze Lift Key
Roman Cast Bronze Lift Key
Roman Cast Bronze Lift Key
Roman Cast Bronze Lift Key
Roman Cast Bronze Lift Key
Roman Cast Bronze Lift Key
Roman Cast Bronze Lift Key
Roman Cast Bronze Lift Key
Roman Cast Bronze Lift Key
Roman Cast Bronze Lift Key
Roman Cast Bronze Lift Key
Roman Cast Bronze Lift Key Roman Cast Bronze Lift Key Roman Cast Bronze Lift Key Roman Cast Bronze Lift Key Roman Cast Bronze Lift Key Roman Cast Bronze Lift Key Roman Cast Bronze Lift Key Roman Cast Bronze Lift Key Roman Cast Bronze Lift Key Roman Cast Bronze Lift Key

Roman Cast Bronze Lift Key

$595
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Eastern Mediterranean, circa 1st to 4th century AD.
A well-preserved example of a Roman cast bronze lift key (also called a tumbler or slide key), designed to operate the ubiquitous wooden pin tumbler locks used across the Roman Empire.  Cast in bronze with arched bow with ornate finger pad and suspension loop above a rectangular plate, tapering shank terminating in a perpendicular bit with four stepped rectilinear teeth.  This type functioned by inserting the toothed bit through a slot in the door, lifting internal wooden pins within a horizontal bolt, and sliding the bolt free; a mechanism in continuous use from pre-Roman times until roughly 700 AD. Such keys secured household chests, cupboards, strongboxes, and doors, and smaller versions were even mounted on finger rings;  a Roman innovation for safeguarding jewelry boxes and valuables. Close parallels in form and scale are published from sites across the Eastern Mediterranean, Thrace, and the Black Sea region and are held in major museum collections.

Length: 2¾ in. (7 cm).

Intact, deep green cupritic patina with earthen encrustation; minor surface wear consistent with age.
Provenance: Private Indiana collection, assembled prior to 1970; accompanied by the collector's original black-and-white photograph.

Every object is guaranteed authentic and as described, and has been legally acquired and imported in accordance with U.S. and applicable foreign regulations on the movement and sale of antiquities. A signed certificate of authenticity with a description and photograph accompanies this object. Any restoration is described on the invoice.

Free insured shipping within the United States on most pieces; oversized works are quoted at checkout. We pack and ship ourselves, usually within two business days. International shipping by USPS or DHL is calculated at checkout; if your country is not listed, write to us. Customs forms state the full value; international buyers are responsible for duties and taxes.

Any object may be returned within 14 days of receipt for a refund or credit. Contact us first. See Buying from Us.

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