Copper-alloy, 5.95 grams, 42.66 mm. 10th-11th century AD. The later series of Viking and Anglo-Saxon keys were formed as a circular loop, a thick shank and the uniquely-patterned head. The present example includes the loop (damaged in antiquity), the round-section shank and the lower part of the head. Keys of this type are notoriously friable and this is a nicely preserved example. Reference: London Museum Medieval Catalogue 1940, London, 1940 (reprint 1993), plate xxix item 6. Very fine condition.