Cast Iron Gardeners Keys by Gardman

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At Winchester, iron keys of type 1 are found in contexts of the early 10th to mid 12th century. c. 900-1150 AD. This date seems likely for copper-alloy examples too (see the example illustrated above with 10th-century Winchester style, DOR-6E063A). Copper-alloy keys of Winchester types 1 and 2. Left, two keys of Winchester type 1, with projecting stem-tip ( NLM-5B60B5 (an unusually large example) and SF-9D1532). Right, four keys of Winchester type 2, with hollow-ended stem ( SF-7A2A05, BH-2934A9 (above) and IOW-A346E4 (below – a casket key type), NMS-5D98AE). It is still true that “the close dating of medieval keys is a matter of great difficulty” ( Ward Perkins 1940, 133) and this is made harder by the fact that most excavated keys with secure dates are made from iron, and are rather different from the copper-alloy examples that make up 90% of the medieval keys on the PAS database. They can be cut off if absolutely necessary, but that typically requires tools or brute force entry that would draw attention or leave evidence that could lead to catching the thief.

There is no generally accepted typology for Roman copper-alloy keys or fragments, but we can flag up the major divisions. For an openwork handle (normally with three lobes) please add ‘openwork handle’ to the classification field. For a solid rectangular handle with loop, please add ‘solid rectangular handle’ to the classification field. For a handle in the shape of an animal, please add ‘zoomorphic handle’ to the classification field. For ring-keys, please add ‘ring key’ to the classification field. For anything else, or uncertain fragments, leave the classification field blank. In the 1970’s, suitcases began to shift in style and design, and today many people use simply bags or rolling cases. While a suitcase key you find may be over 50 years old, these keys aren’t much different in style or shape than ones you can buy today. 6. Stringed Instrument Case Keys Keys would also often have different companies and brands stamped on them, depending on what the company made. The remaining types are those with the solid stems, either in line with the end of the bit or projecting beyond. If larger than a casket key, these theoretically fall into Winchester types 6, 7, and 8, and London types IV, V, VII and VIII. But examples in copper alloy are rare, and it is not worth trying to allocate them to a typology which was essentially developed for iron keys. Some of the very few large copper-alloy keys that are not London type VI, nor really Winchester type 5 because the split part of their stems are not particularly long. Left: SWYOR-704617. Right: GAT-954187. Nina Crummy quotes a date of after 150 AD for these ( Crummy 1983, 126, citing Der Obergermanisch-Raetische Limesdes Römerreiches 8, Taf 12,51). Solid rectangular handlesMaterial: Another thing to consider is what the key is made of. Precious metals such as gold and silver are going to fetch far more than a key made of ferrous iron. Brass keys are common, but are also worth slightly more than the ones made out of iron as they will not rust and are more valuable metal at the scrap yard. Condition: Condition is another important factor to consider with antique and vintage keys. If the key is significantly rusty or is broken, it is probably better suited for craft projects than selling as an antique item.

Some of the listed capacity on a Flash storage device is used for formatting and other functions and thus is not available for data storage. As such, the actual available capacity for data storage is less than what is listed on the products. For more information, go to Kingston's Flash Memory Guide.For example, Ford and GMC have their logos engraved on a lot of the older model car keys. Samsonite, a company well known for suitcases and luggage also often had their brand stamped on the key. While the technology and style has changed over the years on modern car keys, one very interesting thing to think about is is pretty soon we may no longer even need them! These barrel keys are relatively easy to identify because they have an opening at the end shaft of the key, much like a “barrel”. Bows with a pair of internal projections are confined to the post-medieval period. Later post-medieval keys often had the bow shaped internally to a slight figure-of-eight form, as if they were intended for use with two fingers.

We have a few copper-alloy examples recorded on the PAS database, which are probably of similar date; and, exceptionally, one 95% silver example ( HAMP-66BB77). Some are decorated, and where the decoration is diagnostic, it usually suggests a Roman date. Note the Roman-style handles on HAMP-66BB77 and BH-0852F6. Antique car shows are a favorite summer past time for many people, and even car dealers, mechanics and car stores like to decorate with various old car themed memorabilia. These usually consist of the handle or bow only, because the stem and bit were made from iron. Exceptionally, BH-57A610 is made entirely from copper alloy, and has a hollow stem and massive bit which together look horribly like a medieval rotary key of London type VI (see below); caution should therefore be exercised when dealing with fragments. SOMDOR-9B8C55 is similar, but with an iron stem and bit surviving. Two large Roman keys with openwork trilobate handles. Above, SOMDOR-9B8C55; below, BH-57A610. Both are c. 130mm long. Crummy (1983, 84) suggests that type 5b (with ‘flat wards’) may be early Roman, whereas type 5a may be 3rd or 4th century in date. Most of the keys recorded on the PAS database are made from copper alloy, but most excavated keys (and probably most keys in use in the past) are made from iron. Keys of the two materials seem to be surprisingly different, and we should not assume that what holds for iron keys is also true for copper alloy keys.

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Some of these keys appear to be regionally distinctive. Rogerson and Ashley (2012) have suggested that one type (image above, centre top) may have been produced in the Aylsham area of Norfolk; and another (image above, centre below), with lozenge bow and four circular perforations, seems to be common in the midlands, centred around Lichfield. A detailed study of the different designs of type VI keys, and their distributions, is long overdue.

It will be clear from this that any jargon terms such as lift key or rotary key cannot be used without full explanation of what you mean, and are no substitute for a meticulous description. Mearian, Lucas (2016-02-08). "Kingston buys encrypted flash drive maker IronKey". Computerworld . Retrieved 2020-02-27.In a public building for example, the janitor may need a key to every room to clean, but not every worker needed to access every single room. The janitor would have a master key that could open all the doors, while a worker may only have a key to his or her specific office. Among Imation’s IronKey products are flash drives certified by Microsoft for Windows To Go. [16] Windows To Go is an enterprise feature of Windows 8 that enables the creation of a workspace that can be booted from a USB-connected external drive on PCs that meet Microsoft certification requirements, regardless of the operating system running on the PC. A Windows To Go product, the IronKey Workspace W300, received the Editors’ Choice accolade from PC Magazine in February 2013. [17] Products [ edit ] Secure Portable Storage [ edit ] But as these small, undiagnostic keys continue to the end of the medieval period, it is impossible to date unstratified, undiagnostic casket keys this early. See below for more on casket keys, which we tend to date to c. 1100-1500 AD. Medieval keys SOMETHING VENTURED: Uncle Sam Is Staking Start-Ups" (PDF). VentureWire. March 12, 2008 . Retrieved August 5, 2009. For this reason, many people see the key as a symbol for wisdom, knowledge, hidden and guarded secrets or even protection.