Museum complex

Axe-shaped door lock

Russia
17th century
Iron; hammering
40,5 х 50,5 х 11 cm
Acquisition: from the collection of P.I. Shchukin in 1905
Showcase 11

In 16th–17th centuries a front side of a door lock would be made in a shape of axe – blade month-shaped weapon. Such militant lock was thought to provide a double defense of any door – in a church, in a rich merchant’s house and gates. Axe-shaped door locks were proficiently decorated by “metal laces” of iron, sometimes with colored muscovite at its background. Occasionally the whole lock would be painted green or orange.
Smiths were the artisans who produced such locks.
In 17th century in Tula and Kaluga took place all-Russia famous smiths’ workshops and factories. They produced nails, iron plates, horseshoes, wheels and door locks as well.

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