Antiquities & Fine Art

Antiquities & Fine Art

Lot 154: AN INDO-PERSIAN DECORATED STEEL PADLOCK AND KEY.

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This auction ended on 22 October 2026.

Start price: £140

Estimated price: £200 - £300

Buyer's Premium: 25%

Not sold

An Indo-Persian padlock and matching key. The object features a rectangular upper body and a cylindrical lower section. The surfaces are extensively decorated with calligraphic panels in an Arabic-based script, likely Persian. The script on the upper section is dense and overlapping, while the lower cylindrical section contains vertical panels with tall vertical strokes and flowing horizontal ligatures. The shackle is embellished with a continuous scrolling foliate and vine motif. The cylindrical body is partitioned by vertical bands, with the outer bands containing repeating floral rosettes within circular borders. 

H: Approximately 13cm

L: Approximately 13.2cm


Condition report:

The item is in good antique condition. There is visible surface oxidation and a dark patina across the steel surfaces, particularly on the key and the inner part of the shackle. Minor losses and wear to the silver inlay are present, consistent with age and the utilitarian nature of the object. The internal locking mechanism has not been tested for functionality.