General Auction Including Collectables, Gold & Silver (14% Buyers Commission)

A Roman Bronze Openwork Key Handle

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Start price: £20

Estimated price: £40 - £80

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Description

A Roman cast bronze key handle, dating circa 1st-3rd century AD. The piece is constructed from a copper alloy and features a trilobate openwork design. Each of the three lobes is surmounted by a small globular terminal. The lower portion consists of a socketed rectangular base, intended to house an iron key shank, which is now absent. The base is decorated with horizontal moulded bands. The surface exhibits a heavy, dark-green and brown oxidised patina with some white mineral deposits.