Rare iron Cupboard key, Gothic renaissance, English c. 15th. century
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Directory: Antiques: Regional Art: Ancient World: European Medieval: Pre 1700: Item # 1492368
Directory: Antiques: Regional Art: Ancient World: European Medieval: Pre 1700: Item # 1492368
$450.00
A very rare and superb condition iron Cupboard key, European, probably English, 15th. century (c.1450-1520).
Very interesting key of a sturdy design with a Gothic floral bow in openwork. The bit with a double S-shape forming a cross in the center.
The decoration of Gothic iron locks and keys was often elaborate and of the highest standard of workmanship. The motifs were frequently drawn from Gothic architecture, reproducing on a miniature scale complicated tracery patterns and even tiny statuettes. A number of these tiny locks were compound, with some of the mechanisms concealed from view, and required two or even three keys used in sequence to open them. It has been suggested that the greatly expanded use of locks on doors, or coffrets and other types of storage chests was a result of the increasing urbanization of life and the new emphasis on material wealth and private ownership which developed in the late Middle Ages.
Note: The key with a hollow stem and inside the stem was a rolled up 19th./early 20th century collectors tag in stained brownish paper with ink writing in English (see picture!).
Size: 11,6 cm. - a substantial key for the period.
Condition: Extremely fine, lovely metal.
Ex. Important old Danish collection of keys.
Very interesting key of a sturdy design with a Gothic floral bow in openwork. The bit with a double S-shape forming a cross in the center.
The decoration of Gothic iron locks and keys was often elaborate and of the highest standard of workmanship. The motifs were frequently drawn from Gothic architecture, reproducing on a miniature scale complicated tracery patterns and even tiny statuettes. A number of these tiny locks were compound, with some of the mechanisms concealed from view, and required two or even three keys used in sequence to open them. It has been suggested that the greatly expanded use of locks on doors, or coffrets and other types of storage chests was a result of the increasing urbanization of life and the new emphasis on material wealth and private ownership which developed in the late Middle Ages.
Note: The key with a hollow stem and inside the stem was a rolled up 19th./early 20th century collectors tag in stained brownish paper with ink writing in English (see picture!).
Size: 11,6 cm. - a substantial key for the period.
Condition: Extremely fine, lovely metal.
Ex. Important old Danish collection of keys.
