Gothic iron lock France, probably 14th/15th c. Signs of age and useThe decoration of Gothic iron locks was often very elaborate and of the highest quality. The motifs were often taken from Gothic architecture, with even tiny statuettes being reproduced in miniature. Some of these tiny locks were composed in such a way that certain mechanisms were not visible, and required two or even three keys used in succession to open them. It is believed that the greatly increased use of locks on doors, chests, and other storage devices was a consequence of increasing urbanization and the new importance of material wealth and private property in the late Middle Ages. (cf. Metropolitan Museum of Art) Width: 14.5cm Height: 11cm

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