Roman key

Roman key
ITEM: Key
MATERIAL: Bronze
CULTURE: Roman
PERIOD: 1st - 3rd Century A.D
DIMENSIONS: 25 mm x 50 mm
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex Spanish private collection, bought in English auction house. From old European collection, acquired in Múnich in the 1970s

Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export Licence. If you are from outside the European Union, we will have to apply for the export licence again for your country, this takes 3 to 5 weeks and has a cost of 5% of the hammer price, this amount will be added to the final invoice.

Roman keys were essential tools in ancient Roman society, used for securing doors, chests, and other locked items, reflecting both practical utility and social status. Typically made from materials like bronze or iron, Roman keys were often small and intricately designed to fit into complex locks, which were a common feature in Roman homes, shops, and public buildings. The locks they operated were generally made of wood or metal and could be quite sophisticated, incorporating pin-and-tumbler mechanisms similar to modern locks. Keys were often carried on a person, and their design sometimes included a ring-shaped handle, allowing them to double as finger rings, a practical solution that made them easy to carry and also a display of wealth or status.

Keys held symbolic value in Roman society as well. For wealthy Romans, owning and using keys was a marker of personal security and control over valuable goods, such as money, jewelry, and important documents. The presence of keys signified that someone had possessions worth safeguarding, and they could also represent authority and independence, particularly for Roman women. A key ring given to a bride on her wedding day, for example, symbolized her new role as the manager of the household and its resources. Keys thus became more than functional objects—they were symbols of trust and responsibility in both personal and public life.

In addition to their daily use in homes and businesses, Roman keys have been found in tombs and burial sites, signifying their importance even in death. Keys placed in graves could represent the deceased's continued guardianship over their possessions or symbolize their journey to the afterlife, unlocking the gates of the underworld. The craftsmanship and materials used in Roman keys provide insight into the technological advancements of the time, as well as the social and economic conditions in which they were created. These small but significant objects tell us much about Roman security practices, social norms, and the values attached to ownership and authority.

Measurement:

5 x 2.5 cm