Ave!

Roman Ring Key, circa 2nd-3rd Cent AD, Rare Type!

Copper alloy; 33mm/12.4gm

Con/ As Cast/Fabricated; beautiful deep green patina; cleaned and waxed

Ref/ Jackson 516

Seller's Note/ This type of key was designed to operate a bolt with wards on the underside and features unusually long pins (12mm). A truly wonderful example of a ring key that was used to keep things secret and safe by well-to-do ancient Romans. The Roman locksmith who created this particular key made sure that the incisions were cast/cut to fit the wards of a particular lock and one lock only!

Such big and clunky ring keys were worn on a chain or strap about the neck, but if you are so inclined, it's a ring size 6 3/4.