Publication detail

Non-destructive lock-picking of a historical treasure chest by means of X-ray computed tomography

ZIKMUNDOVÁ, E. ZIKMUND, T. SLÁDEK, V. KAISER, J.

Original Title

Non-destructive lock-picking of a historical treasure chest by means of X-ray computed tomography

Type

journal article in Web of Science

Language

English

Original Abstract

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.

Keywords

computed tomography, non-destructive lock mechanism

Authors

ZIKMUNDOVÁ, E.; ZIKMUND, T.; SLÁDEK, V.; KAISER, J.

Released

6. 7. 2020

Publisher

PLOS

Location

SAN FRANCISCO

ISBN

1932-6203

Periodical

PLOS ONE

Year of study

15

Number

7

State

United States of America

Pages from

1

Pages to

12

Pages count

12

URL

https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0235316

Full text in the Digital Library

http://hdl.handle.net/11012/195269

BibTex

@article{BUT164927,
  author="Eva {Zikmundová} and Tomáš {Zikmund} and Vladimír {Sládek} and Jozef {Kaiser}",
  title="Non-destructive lock-picking of a historical treasure chest by means of X-ray computed tomography",
  journal="PLOS ONE",
  year="2020",
  volume="15",
  number="7",
  pages="1--12",
  doi="10.1371/journal.pone.0235316",
  issn="1932-6203",
  url="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0235316"
}