Door lock with latch bolt and inside key

Central Europe, first half of 17th century

Malleable iron locking mechanism with a latch riveted to a heart-shaped cutout support plate. The latch transitions into a decorative palmette handle with terminals curled into spirals. Swaged rivets. Inside key with spiralled spanners and bows. Round key case.

H: 17.5 cm, W: 27.5 cm

UMP 3143

The integrated inside key featured on such locks kept the bolt in the open position from the inside, preventing the latch from accidentally dropping and locking. Only a key used from the outside could release the bolt. The bows of the inside keys were often curled into spirals or wrought into volutes.