micheleinpa I would like to know what type of key this may be and how old it is. Perhaps it is only decorative (?). It is cast iron and approximately 8″ long. Thanks in advance for any information.
Brian Denyer This is a very old design which was made by hand. Approximately 10th century. Most of these are in museum collections. But this particular one appears to be in pristine condition and very straight lines along with exacting curves. Handmade keys from this time period are generaly of a more organic shape. Being visually styled with a following non-exact shape to the lines and curves. So you may have a modern reproduction. But it is a nice representitive piece. Brain …………………………………………..
Gerry hello, after i see the key in a bigger picture, this key could be uthentic old but i think it is heavy restored, all holes are filled with any material. you could try to remove the black surface. the age is between 1100 and 1300.
Richard Phillips I think not. Cast iron and cast brass keys are easy novelties for foundries to churn out when business is slow - they sell well to tourists and collectors, and interior decorators. Several patterns of cast iron key are well known. They could give an air of age to the 1930’s mock tudor suburban ‘manor house’.
