DATE: 17th Century

An original 17th century iron key with the most wonderfully ornamented head: two dolphins kissing. The antique key dealer I bought this from informed me that it's French, the part I just referred to as "head" is actually called the "bow", and that it's previously been cleaned (with evidence of the older rust/patina) still on show at the collar. I've been looking out for one of these with some sort of interesting/unusual symbolism for a while now, and this one, with the dolphins, makes an excellent pendant IMO. 

MEASUREMENTS 

9.1 x 4.0cm

WEIGHT 

35.2g

MARKS 

No marks present

CONDITION 

Very good