I found this c1860 brass and cast figural bronze lock plate on an early pioneer home site in North Oshawa last fall. This is a antique decorative escutcheon plate, that I found while metal detecting. It features high-relief cast metalwork depicting a lion or grotesque face with winged creatures above it. These lock plates were traditionally used to decorate and protect keyholes on antique furniture, military campaign chests, or doors inside early homes.

Features:
Mythological Figures: Features a prominent high-relief lion's head mask at the bottom.
Twin Serpents or Dragons: Two stylized, scaly creatures or long-necked birds flank the keyhole, meeting at a central circular crest or medallion at the top.
Backplate: A shaped, scalloped sheet-metal mounting plate with pre-drilled holes for fastening screws or nails.
Aged Finish: Shows a heavily oxidized patina with visible rust, indicating an iron or bronze composition commonly found on historical trunks, chests, or doors.

I am also including the wooden shadowbox display case. Please email text or call with questions at 905-410-4088. Please see me other ads for more metal detecting finds.
Thanks, Dave