File:Zoomorphic barrel padlock (FindID 95046).jpg

English: A copper alloy barrel padlock in the form of a horse (12th - early 13th century). This is a Type C padlock: having a case with an L-shaped arm over which an L-shaped padlock bolt fitted. The padlock has a moulded zoomorphic case in the shape of a horse. This was cast in one piece. At the rear of the horse there are three rectangular holes for the bolt. Traces of the bolt are still present but sheared off so that nothing projects beyond the case. In the chest of the horse is the rectangular hole for the key to be inserted. There is a perforation lengthways through the horse's head, beginning at the mouth and ending at the back of the head, possibly where the L-shaped arm fitted. The head is decorated with a double incised-chevron on either side of the head with the peak of the chevron between the projecting ears, also there is a raised ridge around the back of the head possibly representing a bridle. There are raised ridges - one horizontally around the chest and two parallel on the back ?representing a harness. The neck and sides of the body are decorated with small punched squares arranged in linear patterns. The horse has four small projecting legs, all are broken. The right front leg is deliberately curved back - the horse appears to be in motion. The padlock has a dark green, glossy, even patina.

Dimensions: length: 41.24mm; width: 32.50mm; thickness: 14.39mm; weight: 26.30g.

Biddle, M. 1990. Object and Economy in Medieval Winchester. Oxford University Press.

It is unusual among Medieval padlocks for being zoomorphic. The zoomorphic form is very similar to Medieval aquamaniles (a vessel in the form of an animal). Other examples of zoomorphic barrel padlocks are known from Hampshire (Biddle 1990:1010-1012 no. 3665 fig. 313) and Berkshire (PAS find id: HAMP-3430) but not in such good condition. A padlock of this size and decoration would have been used to secure items of furniture such as chests and caskets.