Monk's Key - 1600 - Italy

Keith Teicher

We recently discovered a family collection of locks and keys. We are curious as to the stories behind them, if they are collectible, and if there is any value.

The oldest item seems to be a key:

On the back of the board that the key is attached to is a description of the key:

Here are some closer images of the two ends of the key:

The key is about 8″ long.

Any input is appreciated. Thank you!

Dean Nickel

In this case the story is worth more than the key. Having a history is worth a great deal on anything.

bbcci

Agree completely with Halflock, the history makes the key so much more attractive.
Old keys are certainly collectible, value based on age and design, I wouldn’t put a high value on it as it lacks in the eye appealing design alot of collectors like. But with the history added and the right buyers market I would expect it to do much better.

Bill

Keith Teicher

How would we go about determing it’s authenticity and value?

Thx,

Keith

bbcci

I would take it to a reputable antiquities dealer and ask for help dating the key based on metals and construction. Next would be historical research on the church itself during that time period. Obviously it gets tougher here as most printed history will probably be in Italian. Questions like, was it typical for a monks cell to even have a lock on it during that time. Does that large of a key make sense for an individual cell door, or would it fit better in a thicker main entrance doorway or perhaps to the wine storage room. Lastly with the date and any history in hand, I would check with a couple auction houses to see what they think the package might bring. At the same time asking if they can direct you to an auction house who might have the larger client base for such an item.
Give it a little more time on the boards here, there may be a member who collects from this time frame and will be able to shed more light. Good luck with it Keith. BIll

Gerry

hello,

the story about the monastry could be authentic
but i think the key is younger than 1600, i say
it is about 1700-1800.
8′' is to big for a simple monk cell.

Gerry

…sorry, i have just noticed, it is 3 years old…