Description:

Roman to Byzantine era, ca. 3rd to 5th century CE. This is a cast rectangular sheet bronze clad over the remaining wood core of the lock. It has bronze nails fastening the sheet to the wood; each nail has a decorative spiral boss head. The front includes a key hole and bronze straps. This is a beautiful example! The shape, if not the material, looks very similar to the famous barbed spring padlock found at the Roman villa site of Fishbourne Palace in southern England. Perhaps the most fascinating thing about these locks is how long the technology persisted -- similar locking mechanisms were still in use in the early 20th century! Comes with a custom stand. Size: 2.5" W x 2.5" H (6.4 cm x 6.4 cm).

Provenance: ex-German collection, acquired early 1990s.

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#111321

  • Condition: The wood on the back is splintered and a small portion of it is missing, but that which is preserved is in good condition. There is a green patina all over the bronze and some corrosion at the top of the lock which has broken away a small section; however, the rest of the lock is in excellent condition for its age.

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December 7, 2015 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000