Antique oak door with frame and ornate openwork wrought-iron lock – 16th–17th century

Antique oak door with frame – ribbed front and pierced wrought-iron lock

An impressive antique oak door in an oak frame (younger than the door), with an arched (slightly curved) top. The door has two completely different faces. One side consists, over almost its entire height, of closely spaced, moulded vertical ribs (photo 2). The rows of nail heads at three heights show that this ribbed layer is nailed through the door onto the construction on the other side: a so-called double or ledged door, sturdy and built to last.

The other side shows the construction: wide vertical boards with a heavy, widened central rail with stepped ends (photo 7), long wrought-iron strap hinges, a separate sliding bolt (photo 9) and, above all, the striking box lock. The cover plate of that lock is pierced and chased, with curling tendrils, finely engraved leaves, berries and horn-like motifs, ending in knob-shaped points (photos 5 and 6). The lock holds a key with a ring-shaped bow (photo 3).

Why we chose this piece

You rarely see a door where both sides are so interesting: on one side the crisp rhythm of the ribs, on the other the rough construction with that almost jewel-like lock. The traces of centuries of use – wear, old repairs, dark patches around the ironwork – make it a piece with a real story.

Style and interior

Beautiful as an architectural object: as a working doorway, as a sliding door for a pantry or wine cellar, or simply free-standing or leaning against the wall as a sculpture. Suits a wabi-sabi, country-style, brutalist or minimalist interior, where the old oak and iron contrast with calm walls. The last photo is a mood impression (edited image) to give an idea of the door in an interior.

Dimensions: door leaf approx. 173 cm high × 78 cm wide. Frame (outer dimensions): 193 cm high × 99 cm wide (excluding the protruding blocks; slightly wider including them) × 18 cm deep. Frame timber 9 cm wide, top rail 7 cm, sill 9 cm
Material: oak and wrought iron
Period: door 16th–17th century (construction in the late Gothic/Renaissance tradition), with later repairs and alterations. The frame is younger than the door. The age and origin of the lock and the other ironwork have not been established
Origin: Western Europe
Condition: Used and well-worn, in keeping with its age. Cracks and shrinkage seams in the wood, old nail and drill holes, losses at the edges, old traces of woodworm (especially in the frame, photos 4 and 8), wooden repairs and replaced parts. At a later stage the lock was (partly) fixed with modern screws (photo 6). The ironwork is oxidised and worn. The central rail at the lock has been restored: a new piece of wood has been inserted there (photo 7). Lock and key work. The photos form part of the condition description.
Included: the frame shown and the key

Price:
€ 3.995

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