Key - From the treasure chest
06
days
11
hours
25
minutes
01
second
Current bid
€ 60
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Paul Wullems
He accumulated 18 years' experience, worked as junior specialist at Sotheby’s and managed Kunsthandel Jacques Fijnaut.
Estimate € 380 - € 450
 | €60 | |
|---|---|---|
| €50 |
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An early 17th-century German chest key, hand-forged from iron with a heart-shaped ring and an openwork cross-patterned bit.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Antique forged-iron chest key with a cross ward and a heart-shaped ring - 17th century
A sturdy forged-iron chest key, hand-forged, with an oval heart-shaped ring (with a recessed tip at the center) and a massive shaft with a hexagonal collar at the base. The hammered, irregular surface, with the dark, matte patina typical of iron, confirms artisanal craftsmanship.
The ward is wide and intricately pierced with a cross and Greek-key pattern, featuring multiple notches and security cuts: a complex ward typical of keys intended for chests, strongboxes, and coffers of higher value. The weight (almost 200 g) confirms use for robust locks.
In terms of form and workmanship it can be indicative of dating to the seventeenth century. The indicated era is an estimate based on shape, workmanship, and materials.
DETAILS
- Type: forged-iron chest key
- Material: forged iron
- Era: 17th century
- Length: 13 cm
- Maximum width: 6.5 cm
- Weight: 199 g
- Handle: heart-shaped ring
- Ward: pierced, cross ward
- Function: working key
CONDITION
Overall excellent condition for age, with the natural patina of forged iron and the usual signs of time. The key is functioning. No known restorations. Please look carefully at all photos, which are part of the description.
SHIPPING
Professionally packed, shipped with insured and trackable courier.
Antique forged-iron chest key with a cross ward and a heart-shaped ring - 17th century
A sturdy forged-iron chest key, hand-forged, with an oval heart-shaped ring (with a recessed tip at the center) and a massive shaft with a hexagonal collar at the base. The hammered, irregular surface, with the dark, matte patina typical of iron, confirms artisanal craftsmanship.
The ward is wide and intricately pierced with a cross and Greek-key pattern, featuring multiple notches and security cuts: a complex ward typical of keys intended for chests, strongboxes, and coffers of higher value. The weight (almost 200 g) confirms use for robust locks.
In terms of form and workmanship it can be indicative of dating to the seventeenth century. The indicated era is an estimate based on shape, workmanship, and materials.
DETAILS
- Type: forged-iron chest key
- Material: forged iron
- Era: 17th century
- Length: 13 cm
- Maximum width: 6.5 cm
- Weight: 199 g
- Handle: heart-shaped ring
- Ward: pierced, cross ward
- Function: working key
CONDITION
Overall excellent condition for age, with the natural patina of forged iron and the usual signs of time. The key is functioning. No known restorations. Please look carefully at all photos, which are part of the description.
SHIPPING
Professionally packed, shipped with insured and trackable courier.
Details
Era
1400-1900
Weight
199 g
Iron type
Wrought iron
Number of objects
1
Country of Origin
Germany
Material
Iron
Condition
Excellent condition: barely used with minimal signs of wear
Height
13 cm
Width
6.5 cm
Depth
2 cm
Estimated period
1600-1650
Title additional information
From the treasure chest
