Viking key replica from Sigtuna

Heart-shaped Viking key replica from Sigtuna.

Here you can buy a filigree Viking key replica in the shape of a heart, that was made true to detail after a historical find from Sigtuna.

The historical model for this Viking key comes from an excavation in Norrtil near Sigtuna / Sweden and is now in the permanent Viking exhibition at the Historical Museum in Stockholm.

Link to the original Viking key...

The decoration on the handle of the key is quite unique for keys from the late Viking Age. It forms a heart shape, which is known from contemporary oriental belt fittings from the Viking Age, so it probably has an eastern influence.

This type of Viking key is a so-called bow lock key for a Viking Age padlock, where the key was pulled through the lock and not turned as we are used to today. When the key was pulled through a slot in the lock body, the steel springs inside were compressed by the jaws of the key so that the shackle and spring mechanism could be pulled out.

In the Viking Age, a key was an important attribute of a woman's costume, as it was considered a status symbol. Only married women held the so-called power of the key and wore a key on their belt or on a chain on their chest for all to see as a sign of their position in the household.

The heart-shaped Viking key replica is made of high-quality bronze casting and is also available in genuine silver-plated.

A 1 metre long black leather strap is included with the Viking key replica.  

Dimensions: 5 x 1.8 cm.