Door or Chest Lock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
15th century to 16th century
This wrought iron lock was designed for a door or chest and features Gothic styling. Crafted using iron forging techniques, the rectangular lock plate is decorated across three border sides as well as directly above the keyhole with perforated openwork bands of Gothic tracery arranged in two layers. These pierced tracery patterns are backed by a ground of restored red textile, creating a contrast behind the ironwork.
The piece includes two prominent upright fastenings modeled in the architectural form of buttresses to secure the lock mechanism. A central keyhole is visible in the lower central section, though the original plate intended to conceal the keyhole opening is missing. Attributed to an unknown maker, the lock was produced in France and dates between the 15th and 16th centuries. It measures 19.1 cm in height and 16.2 cm in width.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Physical characteristics
- Material
- Wrought iron with restored textile
- Dimensions
- Height: 19.1 cm; Width: 16.2 cm
Technical characteristics
- Maker recorded
- Unknown
- Place recorded
- France
Identification
- Source note
- Transcribed from the Victoria and Albert Museum collection record for this single object; how far it represents a wider collectible type has not been independently verified.
- Museum object name
- Lock
- Museum object number
- 589-1895
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.