9th-11th century A.D.. With large discoid bow, barrel shank and hooked bit, trefoil slot to the rear edge; the large circular bow with openwork tree motif, pointillé detailing. Cf. for three similar shaped keys found in Sweden, see the Swedish History Museum, Stockholm, display no.19, including one from Ramsättra, Köping parish, Öland, Sweden. 39 grams total, 58 mm (2 1/4 in.).

In the Viking Age, keys were a symbol of power worn prominently attached to the belt or chatelaine of the lady of the household. Handing over the set of keys may have formed part of the marriage ceremony, when the bride accepted her new role as the leading female of the community. In Anglo-Saxon England, the contents of the locked areas (cupboards and chests) were the specific responsibility of the lady, the key-holder.

From the collection of the famous author, writer and speaker, Gordon Bailey, Essex, UK; formed since 1968. [No Reserve]