Copper-alloy Roman key on ring

Bronze key on key-ring: max diam. of ring 6.5cm, round section, tapering to hook. Evidently cast because the loop catch which engages with the simple bent up hook is in the form of a bird-head with long spoon-shaped bill perforated to engage hook, and short upper beak, moulded head with eye drilled through from either side triple-grooved collar behind head. The key, length 4.3cm, has a flat open ring-head cast in one with the round-sectioned shank and right angled ward. The shank has a large hole underneath and the ward a rectangular moulding at tip. Loop head decorated with dots - drilled shallow, on one side only.Cf. Chartham grave 16 for similar ring and key.This catalogue numbrer is also used for a glass bead from and unknown grave at Kingston. The gatty slip entry indicates that the key is the correct M 6338. – D.H.