Roman / Byzantine Bronze Door Latches

**Originally Listed At $1400**

Roman to Early Byzantine, found in the Golan Heights, ca. 2nd to 6th century CE. Cast via the lost wax (cire perdue) process, a nearly identical pair of solid bronze plates with decorative elements at the corners of the borders, and pairs of ridged protruding elements that were designed to receive a dowel-shaped fitting to lock the door to which they were affixed. Size: 6" L x 6" W (15.2 cm x 15.2 cm); 7.125" H (18.1 cm) on included custom stand.

The ancient peoples wished to safeguard their belongings using mechanical locks. Initially, these were merely simple knots made from rope or other materials; however, with time new technologies developed, and true locks were fashioned from wood and/or metal throughout the world. Many historians believe that the Egyptians invented the first locks some 6,000 years ago, and that the, the Greeks and Romans improved upon their designs and technologies during the first millennia BCE by introducing the use of metals as the primary materials.

Provenance: private Houston, Texas, USA collection; ex-Sarkisian Estate, Denver, Colorado, USA, acquired in the early 1960s

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#133078
Condition Report: Surface wear with encrustation as shown and sage green and russet patina.