PADLOCK

A complete Medieval-Post Medieval iron padlock, dating to AD 1450-1700. This padlock is spherical with a circular locking arm. The arm is D-shaped in cross-section and is 6.6mm thick. The arm is joined to the spherical body with L-shaped projections or hinges either side of the body. There is a hole just off centre of the body on one side. This may be the remains of the key hole. The padlock is very worn and corroded. It is dark brown in colour with patches of redish-brown corrosion.

Dimensions: length: 76.7mm; width: 52mm; body diameter: 46.9mm; weight: 140.30g.

Similar finds on the database are LON-AE1C18 and LON-C8DC0B.

Two similar examples can be found in Bart et al. (1977, nos. 696-697), made of cast iron and date from the late 15th-17th century. Another example can be found in the Walsall museums' collection (1982.0091), which is Medieval in date. It would seem that this type of lock was predominantly continental in origin, with many examples coming from the Netherlands and Germany. It is likely that this example is of a similar date and origin.

Reference: Baart, J., Krook, W., Lagerweij, A., Ockersm N., Altena, H., Stam, T., Stoepker, H., Stouthart, G. and Zwan, M. 1977. Opgravingen in Amsterdam: 20 Jaar Stadskernonderzoek. Haarlem: Fibula-van Dishoeck.