Persian Locks: 1500 Years of Iranian Padlocks
In Iran, the padlock was developed in an amazing variety of sizes, shapes, materials, and mechanisms, the likes of which are less frequently encountered in Europe. On the whole, very little attention has been devoted to the history and development of the lock in Iran. Parviz Tanavoli, Iran's leading sculptor, was first attracted to the locks of his own country because of their sculptural qualities. In this beautiful and informative book the author shares with us, in over 500 photos and drawings, the most interesting examples of locks from his famous collection which was first introduced to the American public by the Smithsonian Institute on the occasion of the American Bicentennial. You will also find detailed drawings which clearly illustrate the workings of the various locking mechanisms (e.g., barbed-spring, helical-spring, notched-shackle, hook and revolving catch, etc.) used in the locks in this book. All locks are dated and when known, the place of manufacture is given. A smaller version of this updated and expanded book was published by The Smithsonian Institution in 1976 with the title, "Locks from Iran: Pre-Islamic to Twentieth Century." In 2019 and 2020 the author edited his original book adding new text and a great number of new high-quality photos of locks which have been added to his collection in the 44 years since the first book was published. Hardcover, 144 pages, 10-inches x 8.5-inches, over 500 photos and drawings.
In Iran, the padlock was developed in an amazing variety of sizes, shapes, materials, and mechanisms, the likes of which are less frequently encountered in Europe. On the whole, very little attention has been devoted to the history and development of the lock in Iran.
Parviz Tanavoli, Iran's leading sculptor, was first attracted to the locks of his own country because of their sculptural qualities. In this beautiful and informative book the author shares with us, in over 500 photos and drawings, the most interesting examples of locks from his famous collection which was first introduced to the American public by the Smithsonian Institute on the occasion of the American Bicentennial. You will also find detailed drawings which clearly illustrate the workings of the various locking mechanisms (e.g., barbed-spring, helical-spring, notched-shackle, hook and revolving catch, etc.) used in the locks in this book. All locks are dated and when known, the place of manufacture is given.
A smaller version of this updated and expanded book was published by The Smithsonian Institution in 1976 with the title, "Locks from Iran: Pre-Islamic to Twentieth Century." In 2019 and 2020 the author edited his original book adding new text and a great number of new high-quality photos of locks which have been added to his collection in the 44 years since the first book was published.
Hardcover, 144 pages, 10-inches x 8.5-inches, over 500 photos and drawings.
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Pipe<br />
Date range: 18th–20th centuries; Place <strong>of</strong> manufacture: all regions <strong>of</strong> Iran; Materials: steel, silver;<br />
Mechanisms: helical-spring, barbed-spring, multiple spring, removable female screws and solid male screws;<br />
Size range: (width) min. 2.5 cm, max. 20.5 cm (height) min. 2 cm, max. 16 cm.<br />
<strong>Locks</strong> in the shape <strong>of</strong> a length <strong>of</strong> pipe are the most commonly found type in Iran, especially examples<br />
from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. These were made throughout the country, <strong>of</strong>ten from<br />
pieces <strong>of</strong> machine-made pipe imported for industrial purposes. They also used machinery for<br />
thread and die (No. 322, 322a). During this period, the locksmiths used sections <strong>of</strong> old gun barrels<br />
and parts <strong>of</strong> used machinery. Small pipe locks made <strong>of</strong> silver, were for jewelry and bridal boxes<br />
(Nos. 329, 330).<br />
Lock 320. Steel pipe lock with revolving female<br />
screw, solid male screw, 20th century. Width<br />
15.5. cm, height 12.5 cm.<br />
Lock 321. Steel pipe lock with barbed-spring and<br />
revolving female screw, solid male screw, 20th century.<br />
Width 15.5 cm, height 12.5 cm.<br />
Lock 322, 322a. Steel pipe with removable shackle, female and male screw mechanism, no key, 20th century. Width 9<br />
cm, height 8.5 cm.<br />
114
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