**First Time At Auction**

Northern Europe, Scandinavia, Viking or Norse culture, ca. 9th to 12th century CE. An interesting iron key made for a padlock, with a round openwork disc at the tip of the handle. The handle is engraved with linear triangle motifs and terminates with a loop and an S-shaped suspension hook. Keys in ancient Europe, worn on a belt around the waist or as another form of ornamentation, were status symbols for Viking peoples and are frequently found in their graves. Married women were often given symbolic keys to wear on her belt as a sign of this new status and power. The keys also unlocked the house doors or chests that held valuables of her new household she oversaw. Size: 4.5" L x 0.75" W (11.4 cm x 1.9 cm)

Provenance: private Carmichael, California, USA collection, acquired in the 1990s

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#167438

Surface pitting and wear as expected with age. Areas of russet patina. Intact with original suspension hook.