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ID #SA1223969
FOR SALE
£450
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Large Wrought Iron Key, 13th - 14th Century
Rob Hall Antiques
for sale €527     $572
£450

Rob Hall Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Aug 2025
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Large Wrought Iron Key, 13th - 14th Century

Pre 16th century
Description

A large and very early hand-forged wrought iron warded key with a large circular bow, solid stem and pierced bit of usual stepped form extended beyond the shank. The key retains an untouched surface with good age and wear consistent with its significant age.

The complex warded bit was individually forged to correspond with the internal wards of its original lock, typical of the security systems used before the widespread adoption of more sophisticated lock mechanisms. Keys of this type were made for important domestic doors, cupboards or chests.

Probably English

Measuring: Approx 19 cm (7.5")

13th to 14th century

Declaration

Rob Hall Antiques has dated this Medieval Wrought Iron Key to a period before the 16th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1223969
Description
A large and very early hand-forged wrought iron warded key with a large circular bow, solid stem and pierced bit of usual stepped form extended beyond the shank. The key retains an untouched surface with good age and wear consistent with its significant age.
fig 1. A hand-forged dark wrought iron key featuring a circular bow, a straight shaft, and a cut bit resting on manuscript paper.
fig 1. Large Wrought Iron Key, 13th - 14th Century

The complex warded bit was individually forged to correspond with the internal wards of its original lock, typical of the security systems used before the widespread adoption of more sophisticated lock mechanisms. Keys of this type were made for important domestic doors, cupboards or chests.

Probably English

Measuring: Approx 19 cm (7.5")

13th to 14th century

Date of Manufacture

Rob Hall Antiques has dated this Medieval Wrought Iron Key to a period before the 16th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1223969
Rob Hall Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Aug 2025
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Rob Hall Antiques Profile Page

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A hand-forged dark wrought iron key featuring a circular bow, a straight shaft, and a cut bit resting on manuscript paper.
1 / 5
Archive I A hand-forged dark wrought iron key featuring a circular bow, a straight shaft, and a cut bit resting on manuscript paper.

Large Wrought Iron Key, 13th - 14th Century

Archive II A hand-forged dark wrought iron key featuring a circular bow, a straight shaft, and a cut bit resting on manuscript paper. View II
Archive III A hand-forged dark wrought iron key featuring a circular bow, a straight shaft, and a cut bit resting on manuscript paper. View III
Archive IV A hand-forged dark wrought iron key featuring a circular bow, a straight shaft, and a cut bit resting on manuscript paper. View IV
Archive V A hand-forged dark wrought iron key featuring a circular bow, a straight shaft, and a cut bit resting on manuscript paper. View V
Enlarged Archival View

Rob Hall Antiques
Telephone 07858 820345
Location
Northamptonshire
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/robhallantiques
Verified Since Aug 2025
Items For Sale 49
Items Sold 24
Rob Hall Antiques
Verified Since Aug 2025
View Dealer Info
Location: Northamptonshire, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/robhallantiques
Verified
Aug 2025
For Sale
49
Sold
24
A hand-forged dark wrought iron key featuring a circular bow, a straight shaft, and a cut bit resting on manuscript paper.
Large Wrought Iron Key, 13th - 14th century
Ref: SA1223969
A hand-forged dark wrought iron key featuring a circular bow, a straight shaft, and a cut bit resting on manuscript paper.
Detail View 1
Detail View 2
Detail View 3
Detail View 4
Archival Detail

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FAQs

Medieval wrought iron keys were hand-forged objects produced between the 5th and 15th centuries, constructed to secure heavy timber doors, chests, and gates. They typically feature a circular or oval bow, a solid wrought shaft, and complex bit warding tailored to specific iron locks.

These items were crafted by blacksmiths using raw wrought iron, heated over open hearth fires and shaped using anvils, hammers, and hand files. The forging process created dense metal structures with subtle hammer marks and surface variations unique to individual blacksmithing techniques.

Authentic medieval keys exhibit hand-forged seams, natural surface oxidisation, and asymmetrical hand-filed bit cuts rather than uniform modern machine casting. The surface often retains a dark, pitted patina resulting from centuries of age and exposure to moisture or soil.

Large historic metal objects function effectively as tactile decorative accents when displayed flat on books, inside glass cloches, or mounted within shadow frames. Placing iron artefacts on timber surfaces, desks, or library shelves adds historical texture and visual contrast to modern settings.

Preserve wrought iron by storing it in a dry, low-humidity environment to prevent active corrosion. Clean the surface gently using a soft bristle brush and apply a thin layer of neutral microcrystalline wax to seal the oxidised metal without altering its natural patina.
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