Rights Holder: Leonard Eeles
CC License: All Rights Reserved
Our images can be used under a CC BY attribution licence (unless stated otherwise).
Unique ID: PUBLIC-959B8C
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Published
An incomplete post-medieval copper alloy combination lock, dating to c. 1550-1650 AD. The arched hasp normally associated with this type of lock is missing, broken in antiquity. What remains are seven discs combined to form a cylindrical shape,the outer two bearing the broken stub of the hasp,and its receiver arm respectively.
The seven discs each have five or six numbers, letters, and a symbol punched or engraved into their circumference. They would have been rotated until the correct combination was achieved and the lock opened.
Starting from the left ,the disc with broken stub carries A F 3 S F. Second disc, 1 3 P C 7 V. Third disc, L X Y F S P . Fourth disc. E T F K D H. Fifth disc, M R N P + G. Sixth disc, blank. Seventh disc, O P 3 1 V.
The lock measures 21.2mm in length, the discs have a diameter of 16.5mm and a width of 2.7mm. It weighs 28.3g, and is in fair condition.
Similar examples may be found on the PAS database at SF8892, ESS-32CO82 and KENT-AFC0C4. From the lettering style, they appear to date to the late 16th or early 17th centuries.
Notes:
An earlier record of this object, replicated here, has been deleted - PUBLIC-DF6D81
Class: combination
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Broad period: POST MEDIEVAL
Period from: POST MEDIEVAL
Period to: POST MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 1550
Date to: Circa AD 1650
Quantity: 1
Length: 21.1 mm
Width: 16.5 mm
Weight: 28.3 g
Date(s) of discovery: Monday 25th February 2008
This information is restricted for your access level.
4 Figure: TL6153
Four figure Latitude: 52.15181331
Four figure longitude: 0.3518565
1:25K map: TL6153
1:10K map: TL65SW
Grid reference source: From a paper map
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 10 metre square.
No references cited so far.