Puzzle padlock and key
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
ca. 1830
This puzzle padlock and key is made of forged and engraved steel with brass components, originating from Germany around 1830. The body stands 22.9 cm high and 14.6 cm wide, featuring an arched shackle at the top and multiple decorative and functional studs across its face.
In the centre of the padlock's face is a compartment enclosed by two vertical folding doors. These doors feature a central circular aperture displaying a brass dial. The dial is engraved with the numbers one to twelve around its perimeter along with a spinning arrow, and bears the inscriptions "JWG" and "DRIESEN". When the central doors fold back, they reveal steel hands that hold the key, which covers the keyhole. Operation of the lock relies on a complex puzzle mechanism. The steel hands release the key only when the face studs are arranged correctly. Turning the key moves an indicator on the circular dial; locking becomes impossible after three turns unless a specific knob is manipulated.
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 was given to the museum by Mr W. E. Miller, FSA. Curatorial records note that the lock's mechanism was augmented over time to increase its complexity.
Physical characteristics
- Material
- Steel, engraved
- Dimensions
- Height: 22.9 cm; Width: 14.6 cm
Technical characteristics
- Inscriptions
- Date: Text: Research required; Latest: Research required; Earliest: Research required; Note: featured on the dial; Type: Research required; Medium: Research required; Method: Research required; Script: Research required; Content: JWG; Language: Research required; Position: Research required; Inscriber: Name: Id: Research required; Text: Research required; Association: Id: Research required; Text: Research required; Description: Research required; Translation: Research required; Interpretation: Research required; Transliteration: Research required Date: Text: Research required; Latest: Research required; Earliest: Research required; Note: featured on the dial; Type: Research required; Medium: Research required; Method: Research required; Script: Research required; Content: DRIESEN; Language: Research required; Position: Research required; Inscriber: Name: Id: Research required; Text: Research required; Association: Id: Research required; Text: Research required; Description: Research required; Translation: Research required; Interpretation: Research required; Transliteration: Research required
- Maker recorded
- Unknown
- Place recorded
- Germany
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
- Puzzle padlock and key
- Museum object number
- M.8-1932
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.