Northwestern Europe, England, Medieval to Post-Medieval period, ca. 13th to 17th century CE. A collection of 5 iron artifacts that were found in the River Thames or unearthed in fields. The most recognizable is a square or box padlock with a keyhole, popular in the 16th to 17th century CE and the other is a 16th century iron ball padlock - a rare and interesting type, sometimes known as an apple lock, made from hollow hemispherical pieces welded together. Then the lesser-known purse bar - a leather / cloth pouch was attached to this and the central loop (which use to swivel) would attach to a belt- dating from the 15th into the early 17th century. The last three items are a chisel tool and a component from an older bolt key / lock that might date to Pre-Medieval Roman times. Size of chisel: 6.2" L x 0.75" W (15.7 cm x 1.9 cm); box lock: 1.75" L x 1" W x 2.25" H (4.4 cm x 2.5 cm x 5.7 cm)

Provenance: ex-estate of Eldert Bontekoe, Pegasi Numismatics, Ann Arbor, Michigan USA acquired before 2000

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#158087

Perforation to the ball lock, but the interior mechanism is now visible. Heavy patina and encrustations from exposure and weathering. All were likely riverbank /field finds, exposed to water and elements. Stabilizing coating added to the chisel.