Small and elegant key rings such as these were a Roman innovation. Sometimes they depicted the door for which they were designed to unlock. Furthermore, keys were considered a symbol of status, as they indicated that the wearer had valuable assets to lock away. Such rings are also believed to have symbolised marriage or betrothal, and were worn by Roman brides to signify their role in household management. Keys and lock bolts account for the most common items of Roman security hardware to survive to this day. Keys were used mainly for doors, chests, boxes, caskets, cupboards, and padlocks, although they sometimes served ceremonial or decorative purposes, such as matron keys, jewellery items, and votive offerings. Keys such as these were in use from the first century AD until the early medieval period.
Ancient Roman Bronze Key Ring
£ 95.00
A fine, ancient Roman bronze key ring. The piece features a round loop and notched protruding key. The key section of the ring expands above the loop, and is composed of a cylindrical shaft with two square teeth and one rectangular tooth at the base connecting it to the loop. This key ring has a unique additional component of a movable pin that can be placed across the ring. Brown patination is visible to surface.
Provenance: Ex Spanish collection, JV Gallery, Madrid, acquired 1970s-90s.
Condition: Good condition. Patination covers the surface. Minor wear, consistent with age such as surface pitting.
SOLD
| Weight | 6.5 g |
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| Dimensions | L 4 x W 2.3 cm |
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