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Extremely Rare Medieval-Renaissance Wrought Iron Triple-Lock Wall Safe Door

$13,000
£9,795.14
€11,449.37VAT Included
CA$18,409.30
A$18,747.88
CHF 10,762.07
MX$226,227.07
NOK 124,726.99
SEK 126,440.31
DKK 85,600.30

About the Item

An exceptionally rare and remarkably complete late Medieval to early Renaissance wrought iron wall safe door, hand-forged in Austria during the 15th or early 16th century. Originally built into the thick masonry walls of a fortified medieval castle, this imposing safe door represents the highest level of locksmith craftsmanship produced during the Gothic period. Constructed entirely by hand from heavy wrought iron, the door retains its original forged surface with beautiful centuries- old patina and displays an extraordinarily sophisticated triple-lock security system, a feature reserved only for the protection of objects of the greatest importance. Such safes were intended for the storage of coinage, jewels, legal charters, seals, treasury records, ecclesiastical valuables, and other possessions belonging to noble families or religious institutions. Unlike ordinary medieval lock mechanisms, this example incorporates three independent key-operated locks, each controlling a separate part of the internal bolt system. The elaborate forged mechanism remains substantially intact and is visible from the interior, where massive sliding bolts, hand-forged guides, locking levers, and individually shaped components demonstrate the remarkable ingenuity of medieval locksmiths. Every element bears the unmistakable evidence of hand forging, with subtle hammer marks and individually crafted forms impossible to reproduce by later industrial manufacture. The exterior is equally impressive, with three original Gothic keyholes arranged across the heavy iron face, framed by robust hand-riveted iron straps and fitted with massive, forged hinge knuckles designed to support the considerable weight of the door. The rivets, plates, and structural members remain entirely consistent with late medieval construction techniques. Built to withstand both attack and fire, this safe would originally have been recessed into a thick stone wall, making forced entry extraordinarily difficult. The complexity of the locking mechanism reflects a period when sophisticated mechanical security represented the pinnacle of technological achievement. Examples of medieval wall safes retaining their original door, complete triple-lock mechanism, forged hinges, and internal workings are exceptionally scarce today. Most surviving examples remain permanently installed in castles, monasteries, or historic civic buildings, while detached examples of this quality are rarely encountered on the international market. This remarkable survivor possesses the authenticity, craftsmanship, and architectural presence sought by collectors of medieval art, museums, historic interiors, and designers creating exceptional wine cellars, libraries, or castle-inspired spaces. It functions equally as an important example of medieval engineering and as a sculptural work of Gothic ironwork.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 18.9 in (48 cm)Width: 16.93 in (43 cm)Depth: 2.76 in (7 cm)
  • Style:
    Renaissance (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    Ca 1470-1530
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    Doha, QA
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU7451251066122

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