Locks for Treasure Chests

Since the earliest times, chests were secured with strong and frequently very large locks. They were used to protect precious metals, money, jewels, to store clothing, and church vestments, archives and arms, linens and other household articles, bridal finery, and even for burial of important people. Chest locks were ornamented for household use, or were very plain and sturdy for chests that were to be transported. Generally, they were mounted inside the chest, in a vertical position, with bolts spreading to slide into the lid keeper.