Description:

Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 2nd to 4th century CE. A large, utilitarian iron wrench key from an impressive lock, with a cut, protruding face. The skeleton key was introduced by the Romans and continued to be used until the mid-1800s. Many of these, with their large hooks, reflect the greatest reason for that invention, which is that the keys were small enough to be carried in groups by individuals. The keeper of a household would often carry keys like these around in a ring on the belt. Size: 6" L (15.2 cm)

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex Slg. Uwe Dams, Oberpfalz, Germany, collected from 1975 to 2000

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#129655

  • Condition: Some corrosion and minor loss, with dark, stable patina.

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January 4, 2018 7:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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$300 $999 $50
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$5,000 $9,999 $500
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$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
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$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000