Ring-keys were classified by Guiraud (1989, 191-3) as her finger-ring type 5. Guiraud divided them into five sub-types on the basis of the bit, but only Guiraud types 5a and 5b are at all common. Type 5a usually has a hollow stem and a bit with a slot immediately below the stem, but can come in simpler versions as well (e.g. WILT-C592D7, shown below). Type 5b has a very short stem and a square or rounded bit with openwork centre. Roman ring-keys. Left, three keys of Guiraud type 5a (left above, WILT-C592D7; left below, LIN-CA7623 (with decorated ring); right, DOR-8FF913). Right, three keys of Guiraud type 5b (left, BM-B35729; centre, SUR-452144; right, BM-DE9D93). The bow is normally simple and circular, but can occasionally be more elaborate; lozengiform bows are sometimes found. The stem is normally hollow at the end, but occasionally can be solid, tapering to project beyond the bit. They can be cut off if absolutely necessary, but that typically requires tools or brute force entry that would draw attention or leave evidence that could lead to catching the thief.

Many of these solid rectangular handles, like the openwork handles, will have had iron stems and bits. These occasionally survive (as on LANCUM-6B5B80) but it is more common to find the copper-alloy handle on its own.

Navigation menu

Given by the Silver Merchant in Ardougne after finishing the Making History quest. (It's called 'Key' when stored in the key ring.) Disappears and is no longer obtainable when all treasures are found.

Some of these keys appear to be regionally distinctive. Rogerson and Ashley (2012) have suggested that one type (image above, centre top) may have been produced in the Aylsham area of Norfolk; and another (image above, centre below), with lozenge bow and four circular perforations, seems to be common in the midlands, centred around Lichfield. A detailed study of the different designs of type VI keys, and their distributions, is long overdue. It is still true that “the close dating of medieval keys is a matter of great difficulty” ( Ward Perkins 1940, 133) and this is made harder by the fact that most excavated keys with secure dates are made from iron, and are rather different from the copper-alloy examples that make up 90% of the medieval keys on the PAS database. It will be clear from this that any jargon terms such as lift key or rotary key cannot be used without full explanation of what you mean, and are no substitute for a meticulous description. The keys that go along with master keys are sometimes called valet keys {useful for cars parked in a garage where you do not want to give the attendant access to the glove box} and are also sometimes called (controversially) as slave keys. This essay by Peggy Shinner on LitHub is an insightful read on that topic. 3. Phonograph Cabinet Keys Victrola Phonograph Cabinet Key found by Shawn White while metal detecting at an old homestead. If the bit is missing, in theory it is impossible to tell which of the sub-types of ring-key you are dealing with, but in fact almost all type 5a keys have the stem projecting from one end of the bezel, and almost all type 5b keys have the stem projecting from the centre of the bezel.

You might also like

These usually consist of the handle or bow only, because the stem and bit were made from iron. Exceptionally, BH-57A610 is made entirely from copper alloy, and has a hollow stem and massive bit which together look horribly like a medieval rotary key of London type VI (see below); caution should therefore be exercised when dealing with fragments. SOMDOR-9B8C55 is similar, but with an iron stem and bit surviving. Two large Roman keys with openwork trilobate handles. Above, SOMDOR-9B8C55; below, BH-57A610. Both are c. 130mm long. When Ward Perkins (1940, 134-141) established his typology of large London keys, it was the only type that was mainly found in copper alloy. It does not occur as a separate type in Goodall’s Winchester typology, presumably because none were found at Winchester.