Ziat Padlock Appraisal

Ziat Padlock with Key

This is a vintage Ziat padlock, likely made of a nickel-plated or chrome-plated brass or steel body, featuring a distinctive square shape with rounded corners. The main body of the padlock exhibits a textured, possibly pebbled or hammered, finish on its surface, contrasting with the smooth, shiny, and somewhat worn plating of the U-shaped shackle and the inserted key. The padlock measures approximately 2-3 inches in width, fitting comfortably in the palm of a hand. Four prominent rivets are visible on the front face, securing the internal mechanism or casing. The brand name "ZIAT" is vertically embossed or stamped on the left side of the lock's face. A central, recessed keyhole cover or escutcheon is present, rendered in a brassy or gold-toned metal, featuring a stylized 'A' at the top, radiating lines, and the number '12' clearly inscribed below it. To the right of this central feature, the text "A 12" is also embossed, matching the marking on the keyhole cover. The key, which is currently inserted into the keyhole, has a silver-toned finish with a larger, flattened oval bow for grip. The overall condition shows signs of age and use, including minor scratches, scuffs, and some tarnishing or loss of plating, particularly around the edges and on the shackle. The textured surface of the lock body still retains much of its original appearance, suggesting decent craftsmanship for its intended purpose. The specific 'A 12' markings likely indicate a key code or series, common in master-keyed or keyed-alike padlock sets. The design, particularly the font and the patterned keyhole cover, suggests a mid-20th-century style.