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Monumental 18th C. Middle Eastern Brass Padlock Rare Monumental Middle Eastern Brass Padlock 19th to 20th Century Islamic Antiquity with Quranic Calligraphy & Key
Presenting an exceedingly rare and monumental antique Middle Eastern brass padlock, complete with its original large key. Dating to the 19th century or later (Safavid to early Qajar period), this imposing lock represents a pinnacle of Islamic metalwork.
A Museum-Quality Antiquity
Because of their extraordinary size and immense weight, these oversized locks were not intended for everyday domestic use. They were highly specialized items, typically commissioned to secure the monumental wooden doors of important civic buildings, city gates, or mosques. Similar museum-quality examples frequently fetch between $5,800 and $6,200 at specialized sale houses.
Quranic Inscriptions & Protective Calligraphy
A defining and highly desirable feature of this monumental lock is its beautiful, deeply engraved Arabic calligraphy, intended to invoke divine protection and safekeeping over the building it secured:
- The Upper Shackle: The top rounded shackle is engraved with the final sentence of the Ayat al-Kursi (The Throne Verse) from the Quran (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:255): "And He feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them. And He is the Most High, the Most Great."
- The Main Body: The central triangular section stretching horizontally above the keyhole reads, "But Allah is the best guardian, and He is the most merciful of the merciful," a direct quote from Surah Yusuf (12:64).
Item Specifications Origin Middle Eastern (Islamic Antiquity) Era 19th Century or later (Safavid / Qajar period) Material Solid Brass / Bronze Mechanism Keyed padlock with hinged shield cover Dimensions: 38 x 27 cm. 7kg weight of padlock. Design Highlights & Details
- Massive Scale: This padlock is of extraordinary, oversized proportions, designed for monumental architecture rather than domestic use.
- Form & Structure: Features a distinctive curvilinear, waisted body resting on a flared rectangular base. The reverse side is completely flat, displaying the heavy structural rivets used in its master construction.
- Architectural Details: The front face is highly dimensional, decorated with raised, ridged domes (bosses) that trace the lock's outline, alongside scrolling floral interlace patterns.
- Mechanism & Key: The center features a specialized hinged shield cover protecting the keyhole. Includes a large, heavy traditional skeleton-style key with a rounded bow.
Condition & Photographic Guide Note to Buyer: Please review all high-resolution images carefully, as they serve as the primary condition report.
- The brass exhibits a beautiful, authentic antique patina with expected surface wear.
- Shows dark oxidation spots and natural casting imperfections consistent with a functional, hand-forged object that is over 200 years old.
- The mechanical functionality of the key and hinged shield cover operates properly.
Shipping & Handling
Due to the immense weight, high value, and historical importance of this antiquity, it will be double-boxed using professional heavy-duty packing materials. The package will be shipped globally with full transit insurance and will require a direct signature upon delivery.
Thank you for viewing this extraordinary piece of Islamic history and metalwork.
