Large Medieval Bronze Door Key

Heater-shaped with low relief of three lions passant guardant. 34.6 grams, 70 mm



From the private collection of the late Graham Slater (1927-2024), Cambridge, UK, acquired 1980s-1990s.

D-section hoop and ellipsoid bezel with 'I' beneath a crown in a frame; attached to a collector's card with sample seal impression and legend 'Ixworth 1861 J.W.'. 10.66 grams total, 26.89 mm overall, 22.20 mm internal diameter (approximate size British X 1/2, USA 11 3/4, Europe 26.92, Japan 25)



Found Ixworth, Suffolk, UK, 1861 by J.W. From the collection of Dame Joan Evans (1893-1977), thence gifted during her lifetime to a gentleman collector friend from South East England.

Dame Joan Evans, DBE, FSA, FRHistS, enjoyed a long and distinguished career as an author and historian. She was appointed the president of the Society of Antiquaries in 1959, the first woman to hold this position, serving until 1964. From 1948 to 1951, Joan Evans served as President of the Royal Archaeological Institute. She received the Society’s gold medal in 1973. Joan Evans was honoured with a host of honorary degrees and fellowships, as well as fellowships of the Royal Historical Society and the Royal Society of Literature. She was a Chevalier of the Légion d’Honneur, and was appointed a Dame of the British Empire in 1976. She served as a trustee of both the London and the British museums, and as a member of the advisory council of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Low-relef openwork plaque of an advancing lion passant gardant, symbol of St. Mark; mounting stud to reverse. 16.8 grams, 37 mm



Acquired on the UK art market in the 1980s. From the private collection of an Essex gentleman.