Tumbler locks and keys are common in Roman Britain and are likely to have been used for securing boxes or caskets rather than doors.

The lock bolt is rectangular in plan and has a central openwork panel of two rows of three apertures. These apertures appear square in plan on one side, but circular on the other. The openwork panel is flanked by extensions. One comprises a small flat rectangular plate, from which extends a longer rectangular-section bar. The other extension comprises a bar which is rectangular in plan. One side of this bar is vertically grooved and it terminates in a flat trapezoidal end plate.

The tumbler lock slide key possesses a handle which is rectangular in section and terminates at one end in an oval suspension loop. At the other end, the bit extends at right angles. It has five rectangular-section teeth, two parallel to the base of the handle (one is broken) and three opposite the two outer teeth and the handle.

The key would slide into the cut-outs of the tumbler lock and release the lock when rotated.