Key Victorian Style - Strongbox Key

A distinctive Italian key, in a Victorian-era style with Caryatids, nicknamed "Capo D'opera" (Masterpiece), of Italian origin and fine workmanship. The key features a head with opposing Caryatids, a central crest and an upper crown, a true square head with rings, a solid shaft with a knop, and a front-toothed ward with cross-carved recesses. Keys with Caryatids (or chimeras) dating from the Victorian period were "Capo d'opera"—artworks of extraordinary artistic value crafted by blacksmiths and locksmiths as a proving piece to enter the guilds. They were used for doors of fortified rooms or important chests. Caryatids are sculpted female figures that function as architectural supporting elements, such as columns, pillars or shelves. The most famous example is on the Porch of the Erechtheion on the Acropolis of Athens. The item from a private collection will be carefully protected and shipped with package tracking. No reserve price!