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18th-Century French Master’s Lock
- This 18th-century French lock was likely used by safemakers to demonstrate their locking systems
- Buyers could inspect such examples to evaluate the mechanism’s complexity
- The design is as artful as it is functional, with exquisite scrollwork and a knightly figure
- Exceedingly rare, a master lock may have inspired dozens of production safes
- Get complete item description here
$14,850
Item No.
32-1000
To speak to one of our experts, call 1-888-711-8084
Description
French Master’s Lock
18th Century
Ingeniously crafted with a hidden mechanism, this 18th-century French lock, known as a serrure de maîtrise, or master’s lock, was likely used by safemakers to demonstrate their locking systems to discerning clients. Before commissioning a costly safe, buyers could inspect such examples to evaluate the mechanism’s complexity, security and craftsmanship. This example could also be installed within a door or gate. These locks are exceedingly rare, as a single. . .
18th Century
Ingeniously crafted with a hidden mechanism, this 18th-century French lock, known as a serrure de maîtrise, or master’s lock, was likely used by safemakers to demonstrate their locking systems to discerning clients. Before commissioning a costly safe, buyers could inspect such examples to evaluate the mechanism’s complexity, security and craftsmanship. This example could also be installed within a door or gate. These locks are exceedingly rare, as a single. . .
Read More
French Master’s Lock
18th Century
Ingeniously crafted with a hidden mechanism, this 18th-century French lock, known as a serrure de maîtrise, or master’s lock, was likely used by safemakers to demonstrate their locking systems to discerning clients. Before commissioning a costly safe, buyers could inspect such examples to evaluate the mechanism’s complexity, security and craftsmanship. This example could also be installed within a door or gate. These locks are exceedingly rare, as a single master model often served as the inspiration for dozens of production safes.
This particular example is especially remarkable. The mechanism includes a concealed keyhole and comes complete with its original key, which is as artful as it is functional, with no detail left unembellished. The lock’s construction reveals the exceptional ingenuity of French locksmiths, with exquisitely detailed scrollwork and a knightly figure bearing a cross adorning the surface. Both visually arresting and mechanically sophisticated, this piece is a testament to the elegance and security that defined 18th-century French ironwork.
Mechanism: 6 3/8" high x 3 3/8" wide x 2 3/8" deep
On base: 10 1/4" high
18th Century
Ingeniously crafted with a hidden mechanism, this 18th-century French lock, known as a serrure de maîtrise, or master’s lock, was likely used by safemakers to demonstrate their locking systems to discerning clients. Before commissioning a costly safe, buyers could inspect such examples to evaluate the mechanism’s complexity, security and craftsmanship. This example could also be installed within a door or gate. These locks are exceedingly rare, as a single master model often served as the inspiration for dozens of production safes.
This particular example is especially remarkable. The mechanism includes a concealed keyhole and comes complete with its original key, which is as artful as it is functional, with no detail left unembellished. The lock’s construction reveals the exceptional ingenuity of French locksmiths, with exquisitely detailed scrollwork and a knightly figure bearing a cross adorning the surface. Both visually arresting and mechanically sophisticated, this piece is a testament to the elegance and security that defined 18th-century French ironwork.
Mechanism: 6 3/8" high x 3 3/8" wide x 2 3/8" deep
On base: 10 1/4" high
Read Less
Specifications
| Period: | 18th Century |
| Origin: | France |
| Type: | Safes/Strong Boxes |
| Depth: | 2.38 in. (6.03 cm) |
| Width: | 3.38 in. (8.57 cm) |
| Height: | 6.38 in. (16.19 cm) |
Buy With Confidence
For over a century, we've placed important art, rare jewels and exceptional objects with more than 14,000 collectors worldwide, and have been recognized by trusted publications including Robb Report, The New York Times, Wall Street Journal and more.
On Approval
Examine select works in person before you commit
125% Guarantee
Full credit plus 5% annual appreciation for five years
Trusted Expertise
Over two centuries of combined experience across our specialists
