17th Century, Medieval, Renaissance Keys

SteamEnGIN

Hi, I’m curious to know more about these. What metal are they likely to be?
They’re heavy. The black scraps off to shiny metal underneath.
What indications do you see on the bow & bit?

Keys came from a collector’s estate in Southern California.
They were mounted on this red velvet plaque.

First Key = 7″L x 2 ½″ W
Metal plaque says -
"Llave Espanola Siglo XVII
Coleccion Grinling W. Sibbons
Londres"

Spanish to English translation -
Spanish Key Seventeeth Century
Collection Grinling W. Sibbons
London

Looks like 2 mermaids on either side, like you might see at the bow of a ship?

Second Key = 9 ⅛″L x 3″W
Metal plaque says -
"Llave del Renacimiento
Museo Medioebo
eRinascimento Roma"

Spanish to English translation -
Renaissance Key
Medieval Museum
Rinascimento, Rome

I’m new to this and just spent an embarrasing amount of time researching for little reward. 🙂
Do these seem legit?
What’s you favorite reference site or book?
Thanks a bunch!
Melanie

Scott Klemm

In my personal opinion (I don’t claim infallibility), I believe the 2 keys are reproductions and the labels were intended to mislead. The Spanish key seems much too fine and fancy. Typically Spanish locks and keys were much heavier and cruder than their French or Italian counterparts. Arthur Byne in his book Spanish Ironwork (1915) said those most expert in working iron aspired to securing employment making exquisite grills knowns as rejas. The insignificant key was left to the apprentice. As for the second key from a Roman museum, how did the previous owner obtain it? I went on the internet and looked up museums and galleries in Rome. I found no Medieval Museum on Rinascimento although there were listing for a Palazzo Altemps and Museo Napoleionico on Corso Rinascimento.

SteamEnGIN

Thank you for the reply. I reluctantly agree with you. 🙂
i also searched for a museum on Rinascimento, which translates to Renaissance. There are museums in Rome that could vaguely work.
But if it seems to good to be true…

A friend got these at an auction about a year ago. I wish we knew more.
If I could only find an image of the same reproductions, I could let go of the glimmer of hope!
They are too perfect though. They’re vintage at least though.

Have a great day!

Gerry

both keys are modern reproductions, sorry, but they are

SteamEnGIN

Thank you. I’m still going to use them on my make believe Spanish Galleon though.
I appreciate the reply! I should have posted here first insead of spending ½ a day on a virtual treasure hunt.

I own an estate buy out company so I may have to swing by and say hi again.