Copper alloy, 7.37 grams, 47.65 mm. Circa 11th century AD. Rotating latch keys were introduced towards the end of the Anglo-Saxon period, replacing latch-lifters and other security devices based on displacing the internal springs of a padlock. Most of these items were probably used on chests and cupboards rather than house-doors at this time. The body of the key is a solid elliptical casting similar to a number of pierced examples from the later Anglo-Saxon period. There is a cast suspension loop at the lower end. The plain shank is shaped to accommodate the internal mechanism of the lock. Reference: West, S. A Corpus of Anglo-Saxon Material from Suffolk, East Anglian Archaeology84, Ipswich, 1998, p.122 fig.58 and cf. The late 12th c. example from King John’s House, Tollard Royal in London Museum Medieval Catalogue 1940 reprinted Ipswich, 1993, p.145 fig.1. Very fine condition.