Viking Age padlock Birka, 8th-9th century, iron

Product description

This padlock for a Viking chest is modeled after a discovery from Birka, made during excavations on the island of Björkö in Sweden's Lake Mälaren, and dates from the 8th or 9th century. This type of lock probably goes back to Chinese examples.

A padlock like this was indispensable in the Viking Age to safely store valuables in a personal chest. The ingenious locking mechanism inside consists of a pin with springs that lock the lock; the key, which has two holes, compresses these springs when pulled upwards, after which the upper part of the lock can be opened with the bolt.

Locks and keys had a special meaning in Viking culture as a sign of status and wealth, and were sometimes even worn as jewelry.