Open AccessNon-destructive lock-picking of a historical treasure chest by means of X-ray computed tomography
Author(s) -
Eva Zikmundová,
Tomáš Zikmund,
Vladimı́r Sládek,
Jozef Kaiser
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
plos one
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.99
H-Index - 332
ISSN - 1932-6203
DOI - 10.1371/journal.pone.0235316
Subject(s) - lock (firearm) , treasure , key (lock) , computed tomography , object (grammar) , computer science , mechanism (biology) , damages , medicine , mechanical engineering , artificial intelligence , radiology , physics , computer security , engineering , archaeology , history , law , quantum mechanics , political science
An innovative approach to a non-destructive lock mechanism examination by means of X-ray computed tomography (CT) was involved in a careful opening of a locked 19 th century chest missing the key, as an interdisciplinary cooperation with the restorers. In regard of the exploration and conservation of such locked objects, their opening is important to the restorers. However, the opening may be complicated, if not impossible, without damaging the object when the key is missing. Moreover, the historical locks might be equipped with protective mechanisms. Despite the exceeding dimensions and the weight of the steel chest, a CT analysis was performed, which enabled a detailed exploration of the lock based on a system of levers and bolts handled by a single key, located in a case on the inside of the chest lid, including the dimensions essential for manufacturing of a new key copy. Moreover, two secret protective mechanisms were revealed, as well as all the damages of the object.