Ancient Roman Keys and Locks

Predecessors of the keys and locks of today, these crude ancient Roman keys were formed nearly 2,000 years ago to fit into equally crude tumbler-locks. Over a short period of time, these became more refined and more secure, until the Romans really developed the first home security system. These keys and locks cover the whole range of development. From the first, crude trials in the 1st century BC to the 1st century AD, to the Golden Era of the 3rd and 4th centuries AD. These were recovered from Roman settlements near Thrace, on the Black Sea. See also: All Ancient Roman Artifacts



Ancient Rome, c. 1st-3rd century AD. A large and wonderful bronze key for use with a slide-lock bolt. Measures 81mm (3 1/8"), with olive-green patina and light earthen deposits. Ex K. Sandes collection, Orange County, CA. #AR3487: $275 SOLD

Ancient Rome, c. 1st-3rd century AD. A large and wonderful bronze key for use with a slide-lock bolt. Measures 81mm (3 1/8"), with olive-green patina and light earthen deposits. Ex K. Sandes collection, Orange County, CA. #AR3489: $275

Ancient Rome, c. 1st-3rd century AD. An excellentl bronze key for use with a slide-lock bolt. Measures 72mm (2 5/8"), with olive-green patina and light earthen deposits. Ex K. Sandes collection, Orange County, CA. * I made a video about this one that can be found on my TikTok page! #AR3491: $299 SOLD

Ancient Roman bronze key door-lock bolts. 1st-3rd century AD. The metal mechanism from Roman wooden doors, moved by only the correct key in ancient times. Measure between 50-70 mm long. Ex Ohio private collection. Representative examples shown; I can send a photo on request. These are cool! #AR3362G: $75 each

Medieval Europe, Late 15th century AD. Fine iron key. Measures 42mm long, in excellent condition, very well preserved. Found at Neudahn Castle, Germany. Professionally conserved with a curator's eye. Ex J. N. collection, Germany. #AM2278: $199


Ancient Roman, c. 1st-3rd century AD. Bronze key, for use with a slide-lock bolt. L: 40 mm (1 1/2 inches) with deep cut detail, olive-green patina. Professionally conserved, with a curator's eye! Ex J. N. collection, Germany. #AR3504: $275

Ancient Roman Britain, c. 2nd-4th century AD. A fabulous Roman bronze key, for use with a slide-lock bolt. Measures 45mm (1 3/4"), with olive-green patina and light earthen and mineral deposits. Ex J. N. collection, Germany. #AR3538: $275

Ancient Roman, c. 2nd-3rd century AD. Bronze key-ring for a box or chest. For lack of pockets in their togas, the ancients often wore keys on their fingers. Great dark reddish brassy to olive-green patina. 3 cm long, around a US size 6. Excellent state of preservation with deep-cut detail and nice green patina. Ex K. Sandes collection, Orange County, CA. #AR3484: $150

Ancient Roman, c. 2nd-3rd century AD. Bronze key-ring for a box or chest. For lack of pockets in their togas, the ancients often wore keys on their fingers. Great dark reddish brassy to olive-green patina. 2.8 cm long, around a US size 5. Excellent state of preservation with deep-cut detail and nice green patina, engraved ridges along the entire band. Ex K. Sandes collection, Orange County, CA. #AR3485: $150 SOLD

Ancient Roman, c. 2nd-3rd century AD. Neat bronze key-ring for a box or chest. For lack of pockets in their togas, the ancients often wore keys on their fingers. Great dark reddish brassy to olive-green patina. 3 cm long, around a US size 5. Excellent state of preservation with deep-cut detail and nice olive-green patina. Ex K. Sandes collection, Orange County, CA. #AR3572: $150 SOLD


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Related terms: ancient keys for sale, ancient Roman keys for sale, Roman bronze key for sale, ancient Greek door key for sale, ancient Roman key lock for sale, ancient door lock, Medieval key, ancient artifacts Los Angeles
Ancient Roman key ring, 2nd-3rd century AD. 33 mm long, US size 5 1/2. Nice olive-green patina. Uncleaned, as found. Wearable! #9098: $125 SOLD

Ancient Roman key ring, 2nd-3rd century AD. Measures 32 mm long, US size 5. Nice olive-green patina. #9110: $95 SOLD

Ancient Roman bronze key. 2nd - 5th century AD. Beautiful blue-green patina! Measures 44 mm long. Deep-cut details! #9067-2: SOLD

Roman bronze key ring, 1st-3rd century AD. A superb piece! Sturdy construction, with deep-cut grooves. Glossy green to copper patina. 38 mm long. US ring size 4 3/4 - 5. #6784: $175 SOLD

Fascinating piece! Roman hairpin made with a key at the end. 1st-4th century AD. What a creative way to take one's important key on the go! Bronze, this piece measures 130 mm (5 1/8 inches) with great light green patina and delicate incised features. key#0395: $175 SOLD

Ancient Roman Door Lock-Bolt. 4th - 5th century AD.
Recovered from an ancient Roman settlement in Thrace/Macedonia, near the Black Sea. Still moves but remains in locked position. So well preserved that the correct key, probably lost to antiquity, would still open it. Massive. 15 cm (6 inches) wide, heavy iron construction. Extremely rare in this state of preservation.
SOLD
Absolutely massive Roman iron key, c. 1st-3rd century AD. Definitely the largest ancient key I have ever seen. With two lInks of chain, measures 185 mm (7 1/4") long, "head" of key measures 2 1/4 x 2 3/4". Outstanding! #271024: $299 SOLD

Ancient Rome, 2nd-5th century AD. Fantastic bronze key-ring! For lack of pockets in their togas, the ancients often wore keys to important boxes, etc on their fingers. US size 6 1/2, measures 31 mm top to bottom. Wearable! #272105x2: $250 SOLD

Ancient Roman bronze key. 2nd - 5th century AD. Intact with deep-cut grooves and nice olive-green patina. 54 mm (2 1/8") long. #87002: $150 SOLD

Ancient Rome. c. 1st-3rd century AD. Bronze key door-lock bolt. The metal mechanism from a Roman wooden cabinet or door, moved by only the correct key in ancient times. 45 mm (1 3/4") long and perfectly preserved with olive-green patina, earthen deposits. ex-Los Angeles, CA private collection. #AR2245: $99 SOLD

Ancient Rome. c. 1st-3rd century AD. Bronze key door-lock bolt. The metal mechanism from a Roman wooden cabinet or door, moved by only the correct key in ancient times. 31 mm (1 1/4") long and nicely preserved with olive-green patina, earthen deposits. ex-Los Angeles, CA private collection. #AR2243: $45 SOLD

Roman, c. 2nd-3rd century AD. Large and heavy bronze door key-ring. For lack of pockets in their togas, the ancients often wore keys on their fingers. Deep-cut detail, great green patina. L: 40 mm (1 1/2"), US size 6 1/2. Bent at a 45-degree angle. ex-Los Angeles, CA collection. #AR2639: $175 SOLD

Roman, c. 2nd-3rd century AD. Large bronze door key-ring. For lack of pockets in their togas, the ancients often wore keys on their fingers. Great olive-green patina. 39 mm (1 1/2") long, about a US size 7 3/4 - 8. Ex Bedford, England private collection. #AR2393: $175 SOLD

Ancient Roman empire, c. 1st-2nd century AD. Large bronze key, for use with a slide-lock bolt. 88 mm (3 1/2") long! Fully intact with nice olive-green patina, light earthen deposits. Found near ancient Noricum (Austria). #AR2446: $250 SOLD

Roman, c. 2nd-3rd century AD. Small bronze key-ring for a box or chest. For lack of pockets in their togas, the ancients often wore keys on their fingers. Great olive-green patina. 27 mm (1 1/16") long, about a US size 2 1/2. Still wearable. Excellent state of preservation! ex-Los Angeles, CA collection. #JR2214: $175 SOLD


Ancient Roman empire, c. 1st-2nd century AD. Large bronze key, for use with a slide-lock bolt. 52 mm (2 inches) long with nice brassy-red patina, deep cut detail. Found near the Danube River, Eastern Europe. ex-Los Angeles, CA collection. #AR2550: $225 SOLD

Ancient Roman Britain, c. 1st-2nd century AD. Beautiful large bronze key, for use with a slide-lock bolt. 68 mm (2 3/4 inches) long with nice olive-green to reddish patina, deep cut detail. Ex-London, UK gallery. #AR2786: $250 SOLD

Ancient Rome, c. 1st - 3rd century AD. Huge iron key. Long tapered shaft with large loop at end, mostly intact but with a couple damaged pins on the tip. Nicely preserved. 90 mm (3 1/2") long. ex-Los Angeles, CA private collection. #AR2316: $199 SOLD

Ancient Roman, c. 1st-3rd century AD. Excellent HUGE bronze key, for use with a slide-lock bolt. 87 mm (3 1/2 inches) long with nice olive-green patina, light deposits, deep cut detail. Ex Los Angeles private collection. #AR2951: $299 SOLD

Ancient Rome, c. 1st-2nd century AD. Simple yet sturdy bronze key, for use with a slide-lock bolt. L: 2 inches (5 cm), green patina with heavy deposits. Would be a nice addition to a modern key-chain! Ex Los Angeles private collection. #AR2980: $175 SOLD

Ancient Roman, c. 1st-3rd century AD. Excellent bronze key, for use with a slide-lock bolt. 4.6 cm (1 3/4 inches) long with deep olive-green patina, deep cut detail. Intact! Really a beautiful piece. Ex Los Angeles private collection. #AR2991: $400 SOLD

A nice, large Medieval iron key, c. 11th - 15th Century, the bow diamond-shaped with round knobs at each point, the square bit attractively cut. L: 3 1/4 in (8.4 cm). Nice stable patina. Ex collection of a Manhattan, New York professor, acquired in the 1970's. #AM2231: $225 SOLD

Ancient Roman, c. 1st-3rd century AD. Incredibly beautiful miniature bronze key, for use with a slide-lock bolt. Just 41 mm (1 5/8 inches) long! With nice olive-green patina, deep cut detail. Ex Los Angeles private collection. #AE2962: $299 SOLD

Ancient Roman, c. 1st-3rd century AD. Beautiful large bronze key, for use with a slide-lock bolt. The long flat handle with large suspension hole. Olive-green patina, deep-cut and engraved detail. L: 2 5/8 in (6.8 cm). Ex collection of a Manhattan, New York professor, acquired in the 1970's. #AR2994: $250 SOLD

Ancient Rome. c. 1st-3rd century AD. Large bronze key door-lock bolt. The metal mechanism from a Roman wooden cabinet or door, moved by only the correct key in ancient times. 66 mm (2 9/16") long and nicely preserved with olive-green patina, heavy earthen deposits. ex-Florida collection. #AR2230: $99 SOLD

Ancient Roman, c. 2nd-3rd century AD. Interesting iron swivel key-ring for a box or chest. For lack of pockets in their togas, the ancients often wore keys on their fingers. This one could swing back against the hand when not in use. L: 35mm (1 3/8”), dark reddish-brown patina. ex New Jersey private estate collection. #JR2333: $150 SOLD

Huge Medieval iron padlock, c. 11th-14th century AD. Still retains both its original mounts - the wooden door rotted away centuries ago. Deadbolt pin still moves inside the mechanism! Doesn't slide all the way out - you'd need a key to do that. Talk about quality craftmanship! Extremely well preserved for iron. Would make a great display-piece! Lock itself measures 145 mm (5 3/4") across, with mounts extended measures 345 mm (13 1/2") across! Ex-Los Angeles, Ca private collection. #271025: $399 SOLD

Ancient Roman, c. 1st-3rd century AD. Small bronze key, for use with a slide-lock bolt. L: 34 mm (1 3/8 inches) long with deep cut detail, olive-green patina. Loop damaged in antiquity. Ex Los Angeles private collection. #AR3245: $175 SOLD

Ancient Roman, c. 1st-3rd century AD. Bronze key-ring for a box or chest. For lack of pockets in their togas, the ancients often wore keys on their fingers. Great olive-green patina. Measures 27x20mm, with light olive-green patina. Excellent state of preservation. ex-Los Angeles, CA collection. #AR3125: $175 SOLD

Ancient Roman bronze key door-lock bolts. 1st-3rd century AD. The metal mechanism from Roman wooden doors, moved by only the correct key in ancient times. Measure between 50-70 mm long. Ex Ohio private collection. Representative examples shown; I can send a photo on request.These are cool! #AR3362G: $75 each SOLD OUT

Ancient Roman bronze key. 2nd - 5th century AD. Neat piece, uncleaned, as found. Measures 5 cm (2 inches) long. #7088: $125
SOLD


Ancient Roman bronze key. 2nd - 5th century AD. Outstanding example with lustrous chocolate to olive-green patina and sharp, incised details. Measures 70 mm (2 3/4 inches) long and is thick and heavy! #9058: $155 SOLD

Ancient Roman key ring, 2nd-3rd century AD. A beauty! 37 mm long, wearable US size 9 1/4. Very cool! #9081-1: 135 SOLD

Roman bronze key ring, 1st-3rd century AD. A very beautiful specimen. Rudimentary 7-point ridge design (only 5 ridges intact now... maybe that's why the original owner discarded it!) Measures 35 mm (1 3/8 inches) long. Around ring size US 4 1/2 but pretty crusty and generally unwearable. Key ring #1390: $95 SOLD

Roman bronze key ring, 1st-3rd century AD. A superb piece! Sturdy construction, with deep-cut grooves. Glossy green to copper patina. 38 mm long. US ring size 4 3/4 - 5. #6784: $175 SOLD

Roman bronze key ring, 1st-3rd century AD. Amazing, huge piece! Extremely deep-cut etails. Measures 30 mm. Around a US ring size 3 1/2. #6732x2: $199 SOLD

Ancient Rome. 2nd-5th century AD. Bronze long key. Ring end broken in antiquity. From an excavation in Thrace. 70 mm (over 2 3/4 inches) long! #899: $95 SOLD

Large ancient Roman bronze key. 2nd - 4th century AD. Big and chunky with deep-cut grooves. Light green to brown patina. Measures 87 mm (3 3/8") long! #6361: $145 SOLD

Byzantine / Medieval small bronze chest key. c. 900-1100 AD. A very cute little piece! Measures 26 mm (just over 1 inch) long! Nice light green to copper patina. #6762: $95 SOLD

Ancient Roman bronze key. 2nd - 5th century AD. Outstanding example with lustrous silvery-black patina and sharp, incised details. Intact! Measures 63 mm (2 1/2"). #87001: $199 SOLD
Ancient Rome, c. 1st-3rd century AD. Great bronze key-ring. Elaborate 8-point device on a decorated, extended shaft. 34 mm (1 5/8" and chunky! About a US ring size 5 1/2. Glossy green patina. #AR2053: $150
SOLD

Ancient Rome, c. 1st-3rd century AD. Large and heavy bronze key-ring. Large ring end, angled tip with thick pins. Perfectly preserved with nice olive-green patina and earthen deposits. 49 mm (1 7/8") long. ex-Los Angeles, CA collection. #AR2318: $175 SOLD

Ancient Rome, c. 1st-3rd century AD. Bronze key-ring. Simple design, device extended at a 90-degree angle from the end of the shaft. 39 mm (1 1/4") long, about a US ring size 6. Reddish-brown patina. Ex-Los Angeles, Ca private collection. #AR2054x2: $99 SOLD

Roman, 3rd-4th century AD. Beautiful large bronze lock-face, crafted in the form of an animal, perhaps a goat. 67 mm (2 5/8") long. Nice olive-green patina. Charming! #51117: $150 SOLD

Roman, c. 3rd - 4th Century AD. Cute bronze lock-face in the form of a dog (hound) with a small bird seated upon its head!
Measures 2 1/4" (5.7 cm). Very charming. #AR2018: $199
SOLD

Ancient Roman empire, c. 1st-2nd century AD. Large bronze key, for use with a slide-lock bolt. Elongated triangular body, diamond-shaped loop. 80 mm (3 1/8") long. Fully intact with nice olive-green patina, heavy earthen deposits. #AR2532: $250 SOLD

Medieval Germany, 11th century AD or earlier. Fantastic large iron door key. Hooked end, hollow tip. 72 mm (2 7/8") long, nicely preserved. ex-Indianapolis, IN museum collection. #AM2039: $250 SOLD

Ancient Roman empire, c. 1st-2nd century AD. Nice bronze key, for use with a slide-lock bolt. Triangular-shaped shaft with long rectangular head and loop handle. 45 mm (1 3/4") long. Lovely brassy-green patina. #AR2480: $175 SOLD


Ancient Roman empire, c. 1st-2nd century AD. Large bronze key, for use with a slide-lock bolt. 57 mm (2 1/4") long with nice olive-green patina, deep cut detail. Found near the Danube River, Eastern Europe. ex-Los Angeles, CA collection. #AR2633: $199 SOLD

Ancient Roman, c. 2nd-3rd century AD. Bronze key-ring for a box or chest. For lack of pockets in their togas, the ancients often wore keys on their fingers. Great dark green patina. 2.8 cm long, around a US size 4 3/4. Still wearable. Excellent state of preservation. #AR2859: $175 SOLD

Ancient Roman, c. 2nd-3rd century AD. Large bronze key-ring for a box or chest. For lack of pockets in their togas, the ancients often wore keys on their fingers. Olive-green patina, light deposits. 3.5 cm long, around a US size 8 1/2. #AR2881: $199 SOLD

Late Roman, c. 3rd-6th century AD. Great bronze key. The hollow shaft terminates with two rectangular teeth, ribbed body, small loop and ribbed tip. L: 2 3/8" (6 cm). Great green patina, light deposits. Ex Los Angeles private collection. #AR2976: $199 SOLD

Medieval Europe, c. 11th - 14th Century AD. Neat Medieval iron key. With three rounded protrusions on the bow and nice patina, L: 1 1/2 in (4 cm). Nicely preserved. Ex collection of a Manhattan, New York professor, acquired in the 1970's. #AM2176: $150 SOLD

Roman, c. 2nd-3rd century AD. Small bronze key-ring for a box or chest. For lack of pockets in their togas, the ancients often wore keys on their fingers. Great olive-green patina. 30 mm (1 1/8") long, about a US size 3 1/2 (hard to size as the band was bent in antiquity). #JR2190: $125 SOLD

Ancient Rome. c. 1st-3rd century AD. Large bronze key door-lock bolt. The metal mechanism from a Roman wooden cabinet or door, moved by only the correct key in ancient times. 66 mm (2 9/16") long and perfectly preserved with olive-green patina, earthen deposits. ex-Los Angeles, CA private collection. #AR2634: $99 SOLD

Medieval Europe, 10th-13th century AD. Very well-preserved Medieval iron lock-bolt / padlock! Found at a Medieval site near the Black Sea, in Eastern Europe. Measures 100 mm (4 ") long. Ex-Los Angeles, Ca private collection. #51131: $250 SOLD

Ancient Roman, c. 1st-3rd century AD. Great bronze key, for use with a slide-lock bolt. 54 mm (2 1/8 inches) long with dark brassy tone, deep cut detail. Cracked band. Ex Los Angeles private collection. #AR2977: $175 SOLD

Ancient Rome. c. 1st-3rd century AD. Large and heavy bronze key door-lock bolt. The metal mechanism from a Roman wooden cabinet or door, moved by only the correct key in ancient times. 64 mm (2 1/2") long and thick and heavy! Nicely preserved with olive-green to black patina, earthen deposits. ex-Los Angeles, CA private collection. #AR2231: $99 SOLD

Late Roman to Byzantine, c. 7th - 8th Century AD. Cute bronze lock-face in the form of a dog (hound) with a small bird seated upon its head! Heavily decorated with drilled and incised decoration throughout. 55x50 mm (2 1/8" x 2"). Excellent detail, lovely light green patina. A charming piece! Ex-German private collection. Very charming. #AB2025: $325 SOLD

Ancient Rome, 2nd-3rd century AD. A lovely Roman bronze key with broad shank, annular bow and cross-cut ward. Excellent deep blue-green patina, deep-cut detail. L: 47mm (1 7/8"). Ex Property of a European gentleman living in London; acquired on the UK art market; Ex London, UK gallery. #AR3114: $299 SOLD

Ancient Roman, c. 2nd-3rd century AD. Bronze key-ring for a box or chest. For lack of pockets in their togas, the ancients often wore keys on their fingers. Great mahogany to olive-green patina, deep-cut detail! 34 mm long, around a US size 7.5. Still wearable. Excellent state of preservation. ex-Los Angeles, CA collection. #JR2353: $250 SOLD
Ancient Roman bronze key. 2nd - 5th century AD. Beautiful emerald-green patina. A gorgeous piece, not well illustrated in this photo. Measures 80 mm (3 1/4 inches) long. #9090-2: $135 SOLD


Ancient Roman key rings! Because of a lack of pockets in their togas, Romans sometimes wore their keys on their fingers. This made it easy to keep track of important keys used to lock up valuable possessions.

Ancient Roman key ring, 2nd-3rd century AD. Near-perfect state of preservation! Possibly the nicest I've had! Extremely deep-cut ridges in an ornate configuration. Nice light green to copper patina. 36 mm long, US ring size 9. Excellent! #1986x2: $210 SOLD


Byzantine / Medieval bronze key. c. 900-1100 AD. Beautiful glossy green patina. Very simple construction with extended piece behind the hole for leverage during use. 57 mm (2 1/4") long. #6765: SOLD

Late Roman / Byzantine bronze key, c. 500-800 AD. A gorgeous, large piece. Simple design with three prongs, the lowest one with a series of vertical ridges. Great green patina! 68 mm (2 5/8") long. #6720: $199 SOLD

Roman bronze key ring, 1st-3rd century AD. A superb piece! Sturdy construction, with deep-cut grooves. Glossy green to copper patina. 38 mm long. US ring size 4 3/4 - 5. #6784: $175 SOLD

Ancient Roman bronze key. 2nd - 5th century AD. A beautiful and large example. Nicely etched designs, deep-cut grooves on the head. Big 77 mm (3 inches) and heavy. A beauty! #18702: $199 SOLD

Ancient Roman bronze key. 2nd - 5th century AD. Great green to light brown patina. Etched markings on body, end bent slightly back. Interesting type! 67 mm (2 5/8") long. #6215: $150 SOLD

Roman bronze key ring, 1st-3rd century AD. Amazing, huge piece! Extremely deep-cut etails. Measures 30 mm. Around a US ring size 3 1/2. #6732x2: $199 SOLD


Ancient Rome, c. 2nd-3rd century AD. A fabulous iron key-ring. Hinged at the loop so the key pivots freely, allowing it to lay against the top of the finger when not in use. Amazing state of preservation for iron! Hinge pin a bit thin; I would not recommend wearing it. 40 mm (1 5/8") total length. #A110212: $299 SOLD

Roman bronze key ring, 1st-3rd century AD. An excellent example, in near perfect state of preservation. Light green patina. 26 mm long. US ring size 5. #6751x2: $135 SOLD

Great Roman bronze key ring, 1st-3rd century AD. Sharp detail with extra "grip" details on band, lovely reddish-brown patina. 28 mm long, ring US size 3.75. #78190x2: $150 SOLD


Roman bronze key ring, 1st-3rd century AD. Great condition with light green patina, a couple small scuffed areas of bronze showing throuth. 27 mm long, ring US size 5.5. #78189: $125 SOLD

Ancient Rome, c. 1st - 3rd century AD. Interesting iron key. Short, tapered shaft with large loop, angular tip with 3 long pins. Intact. 52 mm (2") long. ex-Los Angeles, CA collection. #AR2317: $175 SOLD

Ancient Rome, Republican period, c. 2nd-1st century BC. Great bronze key, for use with a slide-lock bolt. 5.5 cm x 2 cm. Fully intact with nice olive-green patina. Better than this washed-out photo! A very early example. #AR2471: $225 SOLD

Ancient Roman empire, c. 3rd-4th century AD. Small bronze key, for use with a tumbler-lock bolt. Chunky head with 10 raised elements, and round handle. 42 mm (1 5/8") long. Nice red to brassy-green patina. #AR2478: $199 SOLD

Ancient Rome. c. 1st-3rd century AD. Bronze key door-lock bolt. The metal mechanism from a Roman wooden cabinet or door, moved by only the correct key in ancient times. 43 mm (1 11/16") long and perfectly preserved with olive-green patina, earthen deposits. ex-Los Angeles, CA private collection. #AR2244: $99 SOLD - Ask about alternates!

Roman, c. 2nd-3rd century AD. Bronze key-ring. For lack of pockets in their togas, the ancients often wore keys to important boxes, etc on their fingers. Deep-cut detail, great patina. 25 mm, US size 3 3/4. ex-Los Angeles, CA collection. #JR2038x2: $175 SOLD - Ask about alternates!

Roman, c. 2nd-3rd century AD. Small bronze key-ring for a box or chest. For lack of pockets in their togas, the ancients often wore keys on their fingers. Nice olive-green patina. 24 mm (15/16") long, about a US size 2 (hard to size as the band was bent in antiquity). #JR2191: $125 SOLD


Ancient Roman, c. 1st-3rd century AD. Beautiful large bronze key, for use with a slide-lock bolt. 65 mm (2 1/2 inches) long with nice olive-green to brassy-reddish patina, deep cut detail. Ex Los Angeles private collection. #AR2930: $175 SOLD

Ancient Roman, c. 2nd-3rd century AD. Small bronze key-ring for a box or chest. For lack of pockets in their togas, the ancients often wore keys on their fingers. Dark brassy tone. H: 25 mm, US ring size 2. #AR2879: $150 SOLD

Ancient Roman, c. 2nd-3rd century AD. Bronze key-ring for a box or chest. For lack of pockets in their togas, the ancients often wore keys on their fingers. Great olive-green patina. 27 mm long, around a US size 3 1/2. Still wearable. Excellent state of preservation. ex-Los Angeles, CA collection. #AR2970: $175 SOLD

Ancient Rome, c. 1st-3rd century AD. Marvelous bronze key hairpin!
A woman's hair pin, the end of which is formed into a key to open a personal box or small safe. What an interesting design!
11 cm (4 1/4") long with olive-green patina. ex-Austrian collection. #AR2533: $225
SOLD

Ancient Roman, c. 2nd-3rd century AD. Bronze key-ring for a box or chest. For lack of pockets in their togas, the ancients often wore keys on their fingers. Great olive-green patina. 25 mm long, around a US size 5. Still wearable. Excellent state of preservation. ex-Los Angeles, CA collection. #JR2310: $150 SOLD

Ancient Roman, c. 2nd-3rd century AD. Bronze key-ring for a box or chest. For lack of pockets in their togas, the ancients often wore keys on their fingers. Great dark reddish brassy to olive-green patina. 3 cm long, around a US size 4. Still wearable. Excellent state of preservation. This is probably the nicest one I've ever had! ex-Los Angeles, CA collection. #AR2826: $250
SOLD - Ask about alternates!

Ancient Rome, 1st - 4th Century AD. Large Roman iron key with four tall teeth and long handle with circular suspension loop. L: 4" (10.2 cm). Oxide patination. Ex Los Angeles private collection. #AR2865: $250 SOLD

Byzantine Empire, c. 8th-11th century AD. Phenomenal silver key ring, the head in the shape of a cross! Four holes around. For lack of pockets in their togas, the ancients often wore keys to important boxes, etc on their fingers. About US size 7. ex New Jersey private estate collection. Gorgeous! #JR2334: $350 SOLD

Ancient Roman, c. 1st-3rd century AD. Huge iron key, for use with a slide-lock bolt. 80 mm (3 1/8 inches) long and nicely preserved, deep cut detail. Ex Los Angeles private collection. An impressive display piece! #AR3003: $350 SOLD

Ancient Rome, c. 1st - 3rd century AD. Nice iron key. Long tapered shaft with small loop at its rounded, angular end. Completely intact, professionally conserved. 85 mm (3 1/4") long with nice silvery-black patina. ex-German private collection. #AR2315: $175 SOLD

Ancient Roman, c. 2nd-3rd century AD. Bronze key-ring for a box or chest. For lack of pockets in their togas, the ancients often wore keys on their fingers. Great dark reddish brassy to olive-green patina. 3 cm long, around a US size 4. Excellent state of preservation with wonderful deep-cut detail and nice green patina. Ex-property of a European gentleman living in London; acquired on the UK art market. #AR3116: $250
SOLD - Others available!

Medieval Europe, 12th-13th century AD. Nice iron key. Well-preserved and in nice condition. L: 54mm (2 1/8" long). Found at Trifels Castle, Germany. Professionally conserved with a curator's eye. Hard to find in this condition! Ex J. N. collection, Germany. #AM2277: $199 SOLD

Medieval Europe, Late 15th century AD. Large and very nice iron key. Great condition, very well preserved. Found at Altdahn Castle, Germany. L: 63mm (2 1/2" long). Professionally conserved with a curator's eye. Ex J. N. collection, Germany. #AM2279: $250 SOLD

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