Bidspirit auction | Roman Cast Bronze Trifoliate Key

Roman Cast Bronze Trifoliate Key Handle, circa 2nd Century AD - A large Roman cast bronze key handle of trifoliate form, dating to approximately the 2nd century AD. The handle, or bow, features an openwork design with three loops emerging from a central point, each finished with a small rounded terminal knop. The base of the handle is rectangular in section and decorated with horizontal ribbing or banding. This type of handle was typically cast in copper alloy and would have originally been fitted with an iron shank and bit. The item is solid-cast and displays a heavy, robust construction characteristic of Roman provincial metalwork. No maker's marks or inscriptions are present.