16th Century Padlock

Posted on March 26, 2020

Collectors are not always after traditional antique furniture. Sometimes they go for items that are a little more unusual, or maybe are after a single item to add to a collection or complement another piece.
 
We have a great example of an unusual collectable - this Excavated 15th/16th Century Padlock. Cleaned and preserved but in the same condition it was found, this is an excellent example of an antique padlock, it could join others in a collection or be a clever addition to a lockable antique piece of the same era.
 
Interestingly, antique lock collection is a hobby. A quick search finds thousands available online. However, most are vintage and more closely resemble the modern padlock we have today. But for serious collectors, several additional factors influence a search and purchase. These include rarity, uniqueness, origin, and age. All of these contribute to the desirability of an item - in the case of this padlock, the difference between some old metal, or an antique padlock that really is quite unusual! It is thought that Egyptians came up with the concept of a wooden tumbler lock using giant beans on the inside of a door, with the Romans and Chinese taking this concept into a portable and metal form that more closely resembles the padlock we know today.
 
At Antique Oak Furniture, we have a huge variety of 18th, 19th and 20th Century furniture including decorative antiques and unique items such as this great padlock. We have a stunning collection of paintings, garden antiques, antique chairs, tables and dressers, and other rare and unusual decorative items. Visit our website to have a look at the interesting items in our collection.