Conny Waters – AncientPages.com – A magnificent and uniquely rare Roman gold lock has been presented to the public by the Westphalia-Lippe Regional Association (LWL).
Dating back to the 3rd or 4th century AD, the miniature Roman lock, smaller than a one-euro coin, was discovered in Petershagen-Frille, in Minden-Lübbecke, Germany, by metal detectorist Constantin Fried. Hailed as a remarkable find, the tiny object measures just 0.43 by 0.47 inches (1.1 by 1.2 centimeters) and is very valuable. The lock consists of two cylindrical metal sheets, with one positioned inside the other. These sheets are held together by two circular ends and are secured using three rivets. The external sheet features intricate carvings, adding to its design complexity.
The delicately crafted gold and iron box lock measures only 1.1 cm x 1.2 cm and must have been made by a highly specialized craftsman or locksmith in the Roman provinces. Photo: LWL / S. Brent guide
“I could hardly believe it myself when I held the find in my hand,” reported Fried. “Because such Roman locks are usually much larger and consist of iron or bronze parts,” he said upon finding the tiny object.
“It’s smaller than the one-euro coin but so much more valuable,” said Georg Lunemann, director of the Westphalia-Lippe Regional Association (LWL), in a press statement describing the discovery.
“I am thrilled that we can come up with such high-profile finds here in Westphalia,” he added, referring to the region in northwestern Germany where the detectorist found the lock.
The 4:1 scale reconstruction of the lock with chain in the closed state (reconstruction by LWL/Eugen Müsch). Photos: LWL/Stefan Brentführer
Since the find is externally identical to regular Roman box locks, the LWL experts quickly concluded that it was a miniature version of such a lock. “The lock was certainly made in the provincial Roman area and can be dated to the 3rd or 4th century AD based on its shape, technical structure, and decoration style,” said LWL cultural director Dr. Barbara Rüschoff-Parzinger, an archaeologist. These locks were likely used to protect chests or similar items, much like today’s jewelry boxes.
The precise journey of the precious tiny Roman object to Westphalia remains uncertain. However, preliminary studies indicate that it might have been a traded item, stolen goods, or a keepsake brought back by a soldier who served in the Roman army.
“Perhaps a member of the local elite brought the exquisite jewel back home as a souvenir or gift when he returned from Roman military service,” said Prof. Dr. Michael Rind, Director of LWL Archaeology. The miniature castle was certainly a spectacular object there, regardless of whether it still worked. Even if it was broken, it could have been worn as a curious yet valuable piece of jewelry.
“The golden miniature tin lock is the only one of its kind in Europe and is the northernmost tin lock found in Germany,” Rind emphasized, highlighting the find’s significance. “Was it a one-off creation, or have similar precious miniatures simply not been found before? We will continue to explore these and other questions.”
Researchers sought to determine whether the object was a functional lock or simply an exquisite artifact. To investigate, they explored its interior. Traditional X-rays were ineffective against the dense gold exterior, so the team employed 3D neutron computed tomography (CT), a specialized archaeological technique that uses neutrons to create three-dimensional images of an object’s structure.
The neutron CT images revealed that the artifact contained a working iron locking mechanism despite its size. The detailed imagery showed components such as a frame with a spring, a bolt, a broken bolt guide, a pin for the key, a base plate, and the chain end link. According to Fried, “While largely complete, the mechanism was damaged due to previous tampering—likely attempts to break it open or clear an obstruction.”
The replica of the can lock, made of brass and steel at a 4:1 scale, showcases the craftsmanship involved in manufacturing the tiny can lock (reconstruction: LWL / Eugen Müsch). Photos: LWL / Stefan Brentführer
“Despite the damage, the mechanism’s function and the lost key could be easily reconstructed, as the shape and dimensions of the components allowed conclusions to be drawn. Comparative finds also helped,” explained Rind. A restorer from the LWL Archaeology Department created a fully functional replica of the lock, four times larger than the original. Rind noted, “With the chain end link still in place, it was possible to reconstruct a link chain for the lock, which must have had at least six elements for it to work.”
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“The extraordinary find from Petershagen showcases the high level of craftsmanship of the provincial Roman blacksmith and metalworking trade,” says Rüschoff-Parzinger. At the same time, the find provides LWL archaeologists with new clues about the relationships between the local elites in Westphalia and the Roman Empire and the possible local significance of its site.
Written by Conny Waters – AncientPages.com Staff Writer
