Medieval Locks & Keys for sale

The development of locks with keys during the 13th and 15th centuries of the medieval period was a result of the need for greater security. This constant battle between medieval thieves and making secure locks and keys, in some cases resulted in up to ten locks being fitted on a door. In the later medieval period the key hole was also concealed beneath an ornamental escutcheon plate that was spring-loaded into position. The most popular Locks with Keys in the 13th and 14th centuries was the Medieval Casket Key, which was made from bronze or brass.

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Medieval 'Florid' Casket Key 022479

Medieval 'Florid' Casket Key
Copper-alloy, 1.82 grams, 27.42 mm. Circa 12th-13th century AD. A barrel key of Type III cast in copper-alloy, with a simple rectangular bit. The bow is florid with a double collar to the shaft. Reference: Wheeler, R.E.M. London Museum Medieval Catalogue 1940, reprinted Ipswich, 1993, fig.136. Very fine condition. Provenance: found Tilbury, Essex, UK.

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Medieval 'Florid' Casket Key 022479
Medieval 'Type VII' Door Key 022424

Medieval 'Type VII' Door Key
Copper-alloy, 100 grams, 124.62 mm. Circa 15th century AD. A cast copper-alloy key with kidney-shaped bow, square-section shank with chamfered edges and pilaster detailing above a round-section stem with a toothed bit. The forward end of the stem is bored out. Reference: Wheeler, R.E.M. London Museum Medieval Catalogue 1940, Ipswich, 1993 p.141 . Very fine condition, slight loss to the stem. Provenance: found Norfolk, England.

£225.00

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Medieval 'Type VII' Door Key 022424
Medieval 'Church or Manor House' Door Key 010799

Large Medieval 'Church or Manor House' Door Key
Copper-alloy, 38.12 grams, 84.87 mm. Circa 15th century AD. A heavy cast lock key with round bow and shouldered shaft. The hollow end deliberately flattened. Reference: London Museum Catalogue 1940, plates XXIX and XXX. Provenace: found Hampshire. A good example with slight damage to the wards.

£110.00

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Medieval 'Church or Manor House' Door Key 010799
Medieval Casket 'Cast' Barrel Key 008292

Medieval Casket 'Cast' Barrel Key
Copper-alloy, 3.70 grams, 44.08 mm. Circa 12th-14th century AD. A barrel key of Type III cast in copper-alloy. The bit is a simple rectangle with toothing on the leading edge. The key has a thick shaft for its delicate circular bow which is attached to the bulbous shoulders. Reference: London Museum Medieval Catalogue 1930, reprinted Ipswich, 1993 p.136 and plate xxix (1). Very fine condition. Provenance: found Lancashire, England 2007.

£20.00

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Medieval Casket 'Cast' Barrel Key 008292
Medieval Casket 'Cast' Barrel Key 008154

Medieval Casket 'Cast' Barrel Key
Copper-alloy, 3.57 grams, 36.12 mm. Circa 12th-14th century AD. A barrel key of Type III cast in copper-alloy. The bit is a simple rectangle with toothing on the leading edge. The key has a thick shaft for its delicate circular bow which is attached to the bulbous shoulders. Reference: London Museum Medieval Catalogue 1930, reprinted Ipswich, 1993 p.136 and plate xxix (1). Very fine condition. Provenance: found Durham, England 2007.

£20.00

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Medieval Casket 'Cast' Barrel Key 008154
Medieval Casket 'Facetted' Barrel Key 005523

Medieval Casket 'Facetted' Barrel Key
Copper-alloy, 5.54 grams, 34.77 mm. Circa 12th-15th century AD. A barrel key of Type III cast in copper-alloy. The bit is a rectangle with toothing on the leading and trailing edges. The key's shaft and bow are facetted with narrow shoulders. Reference: London Museum Medieval Catalogue 1930, reprinted Ipswich, 1993 p.136 and plate xxix (1). Very fine condition. Provenance: found Suffolk, England 2006.

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Medieval Casket 'Facetted' Barrel Key 005523
Medieval Casket 'Cast' Barrel Key 005531

Medieval Casket 'Cast' Barrel Key
Copper-alloy, 6.73 grams, 37.37 mm. Circa 12th-13th century AD. A barrel key of Type III cast in copper-alloy. The bit is a simple rectangle. The key is very sturdy with slightly flattened flanks to the shaft. Reference: London Museum Medieval Catalogue 1930, reprinted Ipswich, 1993 p.136 and plate xxix (1). Very fine condition. Provenance: found Suffolk, England 2006.

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Medieval Casket 'Cast' Barrel Key 005531
Medieval Casket 'Rolled' Barrel Key 005540

Medieval Casket 'Rolled' Barrel Key
Copper-alloy, 3.18 grams, 43.61 mm. Circa 11th-12th century AD. A barrel key of Type II made by rolling sheet copper-alloy over a former. The bit is a simple rectangle with recesses at the junction with the shaft. Reference: London Museum Medieval Catalogue 1930, reprinted Ipswich, 1993 p.136 and plate xxix. Very fine condition. Provenance: found Suffolk, England 2006.

£22.00

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Medieval Casket 'Rolled' Barrel Key 005540


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