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Detector lock
Bickford, Richard - Enlarge image
Detector lock
- Place of origin:
London, England (made)
- Date:
ca. 1669 (made)
- Artist/Maker:
Bickford, Richard (maker)
- Materials and Techniques:
Pierced and gilt brass on a background of blued steel
- Museum number:
693 to B-1893
- Gallery location:
British Galleries, room 56d, case 5
Object Type
This highly ornate 'detector' lock was intended for the door of a private apartment or an office in a royal palace. Such locks were often carried by their owners when travelling and used in different residences.
Historical Association
The lock bears the arms of Cosimo III de' Medici. He visited London in 1669, the year before he became Grand Duke of Tuscany, and possibly ordered this lock on that occasion. The maker, Richard Bickford, was the most famous locksmith in London and a visit to his shop would have been on the itinerary of an important visitor.
Maker
The lock is signed on the rim by Richard Bickford. He was one of a family of locksmiths who worked for wealthy patrons. A few years earlier the Bickfords had made a jewel casket for Queen Mary, also displayed in the British Galleries.
Design & Materials
The ornament on this lock is similar to other fine metalwork by the Bickfords. It consists of finely chiselled, pierced and engraved gilt brass, mounted above panels of blued steel which provide a vivid and brilliant colour contrast.
