Ave!
Key, Roman, Janitors, c. 1st-3rd Century
Iron; 110mm/38.6gm (!)
Con/ minor plow-bend, otherwise, As Cast; professionally conserved to inhibit further rusting/oxidation. Rare in this condition.
Seller's Note/ This well may be a janitors key. Back in the day, Romans wealthy enough to own slaves, had one who was literally chained just inside the door portal that led into their home. He was the slave that not only had the key but he was also responsible to keep out undesirables. This slave was called the "janitor". Why janitor? Because Janus was the Roman god of beginnings and endings and, through metaphor, doors and passageways.