Byzantine Bronze Openwork Key

CIRCA 8TH-10TH CENTURY A.D.

3 3/8 in. (59 grams, 87 mm).

Formed with a hollow bow open to the sides and with lateral struts, each plate pierced with seven equal-arm crosses; pierced lug above for suspension; barrel-type shank with rectangular bit pierced with two similar crosses. [No Reserve]

Provenance

From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000.
From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.

Literature

Cf. Pall, M., Schlüssel und Schlösser, Graz, 2012, items 4267, 7399, for type.

Footnotes

The repeated use of the cross symbol may indicate an ecclesiastical use.

CONDITION

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LOT 0988