17th Century Metal Safe Lock, Spade Or Heart Shaped Key And Lock Escutcheon, Working

This superb antique 17th-century safe lock is a true testament to the exceptional craftsmanship of the time. Every curve, every angle of this piece tells a story where functionality blends perfectly with aesthetics, offering a rare glimpse into the expertise of locksmiths from that distant period. Its design combines robustness and elegance, with a wrought iron structure that exudes solidity and durability. The metal, patinated by time, bears the traces of prolonged use, but also of meticulous manufacturing, where each hammer blow had its importance. What immediately strikes you is the key, a remarkable piece in more ways than one. Its triangular bit, typical of antique locks, is not only an example of mechanical ingenuity, but also a symbol of the evolution of security techniques through the ages. What makes this key even more fascinating is its pierced ring in the shape of a heart or spade, a rare feature that gives it an almost modern charm. This detail, both poetic and technical, reminds us that even utilitarian objects could be imbued with symbols and emotions, reflecting the artistic sensibility of the craftsmen of the time. The lock itself, specially designed for a safe, is equipped with three auberonnières, a complex mechanism for the time, which considerably reinforced security. This system, today considered a masterpiece of mechanics, testifies to the technological advance of 17th-century locksmiths, capable of designing devices as ingenious as they are aesthetic. Its generous dimensions, 18.5 x 11 cm, make it an imposing piece, while remaining delicately crafted. The engraved motifs, although discreet, add an additional touch of elegance, proving that utility did not necessarily have to exclude beauty. Each element of this lock, from the most visible to the most hidden, is the result of meticulous work, where each detail has been designed to combine strength and visual harmony. The patina of time, visible on the metal, adds a historical dimension to this piece, making it much more than just an object: it is a tangible fragment of the past, a direct link to the craftsmen who created it. To own such a lock is to own a piece of history, an object that has survived the centuries while retaining its integrity and charm. It is also an invitation to imagine the hands that shaped it, the chests it protected, and the secrets it may have kept. An object like this does not simply fulfill a practical function. It embodies the creative and technical genius of 17th-century craftsmen, a time when every object was designed to last, both for its solidity and its timeless aesthetic. Displayed or included in a collection, this lock is sure to arouse admiration and curiosity, as much for its beauty as for its history. It is much more than a lock: it is a work of art in its own right, a heritage that continues to fascinate with its ingenuity and beauty, centuries after its creation. You can follow me on my Instagram by following this link: https://www.instagram.com/patrick.boussougant/ Back to the store: Online sale of antique objects and furniture, purchase in complete security (abnantiquitesdenormandie.com) Possibility of delivery (ask for a transport quote) Delivery in Paris 2 to 3 times per week Possibility of payment in 3 or 4 installments without fees in the store and on my website https://abnantiquitésdenormandie.com See you soon