English: A complete copper alloy probable Medieval key (musical key) used for tightening the tuning pegs on musical instruments. The object terminates in a chunky quatrefoil bow, openwork, with four pointed oval perforations. The shaft of the key consists of a short rectangular-sectioned tube which projects from the outer edge of one of the openwork quatrefoil terminals. The shaft has a length of 17mm with walls that are 1.4-2mm thick and is entirely hollow. The opening measures 10.9mm by 6.8mm.

Artefacts of similar design can be found illustrated in Egan, 'The Medieval Household', 1998, p.244; fig. 190; see also pp.285-287 for examples of bone tuning pegs from musical instruments, but all of these are too small for use with this type of key as is noted. Several other examples similar to the present key have been recorded on the PAS database - for example see: HAMP-4B8D33, SOM-826C51, SUR-C7FCD8 and NARC-394005. As no other purpose has presently been identified for these implements musical tuning key remains as the primary suggested interpretation at this time.

The item has been dated as broadly Medieval as c.1200-1500.