Italian, Milan or Rome, probably second half 16th century

Claude Serre, Paris
private collection, London

C. Avery, 'Fontainebleau, Milan or Rome? A Mannerist bronze lockplate and hasp', Studies in Italian Sculpture, 2001, p. 382, cat. 44

Overall the condition of the bronze is good with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There is wear to the gilding, particularly to the high points. There is also rubbing to the high points. There are some minor casting flaws, including a few small lacunae. The pins connecting the lock to the plate are visible to the front. There are mount holes to the four corners of the lock plate. The key is missing. There are nicks to the reverse of both the plate and hasp. It does not appear to be possible to detach the hasp. There is oxidation to the iron lock, consistent with the material.
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This lock plate compares closely with another in the Museo Civico d'Arte, Turin (Avery, op. cit.). Further variants of the model can be found in the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Hermitage and the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston.