Spring-latch padlock
Candado de resorte de lengüetas
- Date
- c. 100 · confidence low
- Place
- Rome, Lazio, Italy
- Credited to
- Roman locksmiths (with parallel examples in Han China)
- Field
- Tools
⚠️ Disputed: the sources disagree.
What it is
A portable lock with a shackle that closes when pushed and opens with a key; spring leaves hold it shut. It was used on chests, doors, slaves and goods.
Roman padlocks have been found in the provinces of the Empire, and Han-period bronze padlocks in China; priority and date are uncertain.
What it led to
- portable fastening for chests, warehouses and chains
- medieval iron padlocks with keys and keyholes
- the modern laminated steel padlock