{"product_id":"antique-mortise-door-lock-with-skeleton-key-mounted-architectural-hardware-display","title":"Antique Mortise Door Lock with Skeleton Key | Mounted Architectural Hardware Display | Circa 19th Century","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistorical Context \u0026amp; Origin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRegion:\u003c\/strong\u003e Europe or North America\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Wood, iron, and brass hardware\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePeriod:\u003c\/strong\u003e Circa 19th century\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDescription\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis intriguing mounted display features an antique mortise door lock mechanism complete with its corresponding skeleton key, presented on a later wooden stand for decorative and collectible appeal. The lock case is constructed of wood and fitted with large hand-forged iron screws, with a classic keyhole escutcheon at its center.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe accompanying iron key, with its elongated shaft and openwork bit, is characteristic of traditional warded locking systems used throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. When inserted, the key would engage internal wards within the lock, a simple yet effective mechanism widely used in domestic and institutional architecture of the period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe wooden lock housing shows a rich, warm patina with visible grain and age wear, while the iron hardware exhibits oxidation and surface variation consistent with long-term use. The piece has been mounted on a custom wooden base and backboard, allowing it to be displayed upright as both a historical object and a conversation piece.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeatures\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Original antique mortise lock with working-style keyhole\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Includes large iron skeleton key with openwork bit\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Hand-forged iron screws and hardware\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Mounted on custom wooden display stand\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Rich aged patina across wood and metal surfaces\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Functional design illustrating early locking mechanisms\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCultural Significance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMortise locks and skeleton keys were widely used in residential and institutional buildings prior to the advent of modern pin-tumbler locks. These systems relied on internal wards and uniquely shaped keys, making them an important step in the evolution of security and mechanical design.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eToday, such pieces are appreciated not only for their functional ingenuity but also for their aesthetic and historical value as artifacts of everyday life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGood antique condition with visible wear throughout. The wood exhibits surface wear, scratches, and age-related patina. Iron components show oxidation and minor corrosion consistent with age. Mounted display is stable and suitable for presentation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions (Approximate)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeight: 8.8 in\u003cbr\u003eWidth: 8.75 in\u003cbr\u003eDepth: 4.35 in\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAge (Approximate)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e150–200 years old\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFormerly housed in the Elmer's Lock Museum collection. Subsequently purchased from a private collection in Valparaiso, Indiana, USA. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLearn More\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTrace the development of mortise locks and early security mechanisms through \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.keys4ulocksmith.co.uk\/a-historical-overview-the-evolution-of-mortice-locks\" title=\"The Evolution of Mortice Locks – Keys4U Locksmith\"\u003eKeys4U Locksmith\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBrowse our curated \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/relicandrarity.com\/collections\/functional-tools-ancient-implements-craft\" title=\"Functional Tools \u0026amp; Ancient Implements – Relic \u0026amp; Rarity\"\u003eCollection of Functional Tools \u0026amp; Ancient Implements\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Relic and Rarity","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52942137590082,"sku":null,"price":400.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0955\/1803\/2194\/files\/antique-mortise-lock-skeleton-key-mounted-display.png?v=1776607462","url":"https:\/\/relicandrarity.com\/products\/antique-mortise-door-lock-with-skeleton-key-mounted-architectural-hardware-display","provider":"Relic \u0026 Rarity","version":"1.0","type":"link"}