13th C. European Iron Keys (27 pcs)

Europe, Medieval to Early Modern Periods, ca. 13th to 18th century CE. A fine collection of 27 iron keys presenting a wide variety of differing forms, yet all capped with loop-form heads for suspension and enveloped in rich russet-hued patina. Their sizeable loops reflect the greatest reason for that invention, which is that the keys were small enough to be carried in groups by individuals. After the fall of the Roman Empire, locks and keys remained basically unchanged for 1500 years - locksmiths created painstakingly ornate, often beautiful keys like these examples. Women of elite and middle-class households were "keepers of the keys" and wore a ring of keys on their belts. Size of largest: 9.5" L x 1.3" W (24.1 cm x 3.3 cm)

Provenance: ex-Estate of Eldert Bontekoe, Pegasi Numismatics, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA, acquired before 2000

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#160265
Condition Report: A few with some small areas of loss. Expected nicks, chips, and abrasions to all. Otherwise, all are very nice with lovely patina.