Roman Empire, Bronze Barrel Padlock Functioning With The Original Key, Dated 4th Century A, Ancient Rome

 

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Ancient Roman Bronze Padlock, functioning with Original Key, Between 2nd To 4th century AD.
Surviving Roman padlocks are rare. The basic types are barrel locks, iron barbed spring locks, spring loaded bolt locks and figural locks. Barrel locks were made in both iron and bronze, while figural locks are found only in bronze. There is another type which does not quite fit into any of these categories: the rectangular iron padlock with riveted case.
The small locks are thought to have been used primarily to act as tamper-proof seals. People sending money from one place to the next could secure a leather pouch with one of the puzzle locks, so long as the intended recipient knew the secret and had the key. The locks didn’t necessarily protect the contents, but they provided proof that the delivery hadn’t been messed with, like night-deposit bags used by businesses today.
Dimensions, Size: 13.5 cm x 5 cm, All measurements are approximate. Sold exactly as pictured.
Provenance: Currently Ex private Tampa, Florida Collection.
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