Collection Highlights
Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826)
1805
1867.306
Oil on linen
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Museum Collections
Luce Center
Padlock and key
Object name
Padlock and key
Date
1830-1890
Medium
Iron, brass, pigment
Dimensions
a: 4 3/4 x 3 3/8 x 7/8 in. ( 12.1 x 8.6 x 2.2 cm )
b: 2 3/4 x 1 1/8 x 1/4 in. ( 7 x 2.9 x 0.6 cm )
Description
U-shaped with two 'ears' in sheet iron with baluster-shaped, flat brass pivoting keyhole cover and rectangular brass keyhole surround; iron key with compress heart- shaped handle, banded shaft.
Credit Line
Gift of Mrs. Helen C. Marsh
Object Number
1949.41ab
Marks
inscribed: on keyhole cover: "(crown)/V.R./PATENT"
Gallery Label
According to the donor, the padlock and the key were from the Fortress Monroe while Jefferson Davis was imprisoned there. The prison was secured by Lt. Col. Nathan Church, father of the donor, of the 26th Michigan regiment who was in command at Fortress Monroe under General Nelson A. Miles.
Due to ongoing research, information about this object is subject to change.
