The warded lock was the standard locking mechanism throughout the medieval period, using internal obstructions, or wards, that only a correctly notched key could bypass. Padlocks, likely Roman in origin, became a genuine speciality of early medieval blacksmiths, with the Vikings particularly noted for their skill in producing them, and the size and decoration of a lock generally reflected the value of whatever it protected, from simple chest padlocks to the elaborate gates of a castle.
This padlock is worked in iron, a small build within our medieval padlock range, functional and suited to re-enactment, collection, or dungeon-themed display.
Deepeeka’s reproduction recreates that historical warded padlock form, part of our Collectibles & Gifts range.