Victorian Repoussé Heart Padlock Charm
with Key in 14k Gold
* * SOLD * *
A lovely Victorian-era, repoussé heart padlock, modeled in 14k yellow gold, that is still partnered with its original 14k gold key! This antique charm is a functioning lock, and it is in wonderful condition. The heart-shaped lock is decorated all-over with flowers and fine, swirling, baroque forms, and the key's top echos this motif. The low points of this repoussé work are deeply patinaed, and the contrast provided by these blackened recesses makes this little object especially winning. This padlock would have originally been used as the focal piece for a bracelet or necklace, and (as a clasp) to connect its two ends. We love a heart-shaped lock, for its clear symbolic sentiment— "bind me to you;" "bind us together!" It is rare to find a period lock with a functioning key mechanism, and rarer yet to find it still paired with its key.
Materials
14k gold
Age
c. 1880
Dimensions
Heart padlock measures approx 16.7 mm (at the widest point) x 22.2 mm; depth is approx 4.55 mm; key measures approx 15.5 mm long; key top measures approx 8 mm.