Masterpiece lock,, Nicolaus Münich (active first half 17th century), South German, 1619

signed and dated Nicolaus Münich 1619, steel, on a metal stand with a perspex base,

Overall the condition of the lock is very good. There is some dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age, including minor nicks and scratches throughout. There is minor oxidization throughout the surface. A few of the screws may be replacements. There is a 1½in. crack to the left side of the lock which is stable. The guard plate on the left hand side at the middle has been lost. Due to the absence of the key the lock is not fully operational. Overall the condition of the base is good with some dirt and wear.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The Masterpiece lock marked the high point of the Renaissance locksmith's art and the end of his apprenticeship. The pride invested in these showpieces, which demonstrated the locksmith's skill and qualification as a master, is evidenced from the mid-16^th century by the inclusion of signatures, such as that inscribed on the present lock. Locks made between the end of the medieval period and the 19^th century are characterised by increasingly rich and intricate decoration, including the use of classicising motifs such as grotesques and caryatids, as seen on several examples in this sale. The drive to adorn locks with such decorative schemes, which were taken from contemporary pattern books, bears testament to the desire of locksmith's to display their virtuosity, and it confirms the growing association between locks and keys and the notion of preciousness. Despite the elaborate ornamentation of many of the locks from this period, lock mechanisms remained relatively uncomplicated. Instead, locksmiths often attempted to hide the keyhole so as to deter would-be lock pickers. This resulted in the creation of locks with secret buttons and levers, such as the padlocks included in this sale, which, whilst being charming and playful, are also surprisingly effective.
See sothebys.com for complete measurements and related literature for the other lots from the collection.

RELATED LITERATURE
M. Campbell, Decorative Ironwork, London, 1997, fig. 171, p. 104-5; V. Eras, Sloten en sleutels door de eeuwen heen, Amsterdam, 1941, p.69