Padlock and key
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1644
This object is a Swedish wrought iron padlock accompanied by its key, dating to the year 1644. The lock features a cylindrical body reinforced with three strengthening bands. The central band carries an incised or stamped inscription reading 'EIS 1644'. The accompanying plain key terminates in a curved scroll handle.
Crafted by an unknown maker using forging techniques, the iron padlock has an overall length of 3.7 inches. The key measures 6.3 inches in length. The assembly displays heavy, robust iron construction characteristic of seventeenth-century mechanical hardware, with the key inserted into the end of the barrel-shaped lock body.
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.
Historical context
The padlock and key were made in Sweden and are dated 1644. The initials 'EIS' inscribed on the central band possibly represent the original owner. The object was later acquired in Stockholm.
Physical characteristics
- Material
- wrought iron
- Dimensions
- Length (padlock): 3.7 in; Length (key): 6.3 in
Technical characteristics
- Maker recorded
- Unknown
- Place recorded
- Sweden
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
- Padlock and key
- Museum object number
- M.164-1925
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.