Bidspirit auction | Large Decorative Hand-Forged Wrought Iron

Large Decorative Hand-Forged Wrought Iron Chest Lock with Pierced Star Key - A large hand-forged wrought iron rim lock, traditionally used for chests, armoires, or cupboards. The lock body consists of a circular housing for the spring mechanism that terminates in a spade-shaped mounting flange. The rectangular bolt plate is prominently decorated with two hand-chased concentric scroll or spiral motifs. The assembly utilizes heavy rivets and hand-fitted components characteristic of early modern blacksmithing. The accompanying wrought iron bit key features a thick, tapered barrel and a circular ring bow with a small decorative cusp at the junction with the stem. The bit of the key is decoratively pierced with a six-pointed star at its center. Hand-incised diagonal slashes are visible on the reverse side of the interior mechanism and the strike (photo 5). These slashes appear as //, /, and //; they function as blacksmith assembly or bench marks and do not spell a name, initials, or location. No other marks, stamps, or labels are present on the item. Main plate length: 8.5 inches (21.6 cm). The wrought iron surfaces show heavy, uniform pitting and dark surface oxidation throughout, consistent with age (photos 1, 4, and 6). There is minor deformation to the mounting holes on the base plate (photo 6). The interior surfaces show typical scratching from operation and original hand-fitting (photo 3). The lock mechanism appears complete and remains functional when used with the included original key (photo 7).