Signed William Partridge Fecit, circa 1665, the lock is of oblong form, the chased silver depicting a demi-huntsman and two birds amongst scrolling foliage, with a foliate knop handle and lock, 13cm length, 38cm width, 11cm depth.
The lock was part of an immense bequest from Elizabeth, Countess of Devonshire (1619-1689), to her daughter Anne, Countess of Exeter (1649-1703), which encompassed the entire contents of her private apartments at Chatsworth.
The bequest was itemised in an inventory known as the 1690 Deed of Gift, or Devonshire Schedule.
The 1738 Burghley Inventory records: ‘The Dressing room, The Lock silver carved.’
