Milan will host an extraordinary auction on March 26th, entirely dedicated to the art of wrought iron and locks, organized by Cambi. The undisputed highlight is the prestigious Leopoldo Conforti Collection, one of Europe’s most significant assemblages of keys, locks, and forged iron objects. This collection, the result of over fifty years of the Conforti family’s dedication, features pieces that, despite being created for everyday use, achieved exceptional craftsmanship over the centuries. Keys, locks, padlocks, strongboxes, and caskets will be presented, narrating stories and traditions from the medieval period through the nineteenth century. A notable example is a late Renaissance wrought-iron key, of German origin and dating back to the 17th century, striking for its detailed opposing satyr heads, estimated between €600 and €800. It’s a clear illustration of how an ordinary object can be elevated to a true work of art.
According to a press statement, the sale of the Leopoldo Conforti Collection transcends a mere commercial event, representing a significant “passing of the torch.” Each exhibited piece carries the imprint of its time and the meticulous attention of those who selected, studied, cataloged, and preserved it for over half a century. The auction aims to celebrate not only the superb quality of the artifacts but also the figure of the collector and the family who nurtured and expanded this extraordinary collection. The organizers expressed honor at being entrusted with managing this sale, which will allow for a tribute to the Conforti family’s passion and the dissemination of their invaluable cultural heritage.
The collecting journey began in the 1970s when Leopoldo Conforti, leading his family’s business specializing in safes and security systems, encountered an antique key that immediately piqued his interest. That initial purchase marked the genesis of a valuable collection, methodically expanded according to precise typological and chronological criteria. Through these small objects, the collection traces centuries of history: from the essential lines of High Middle Ages keys, characterized by elongated shafts and minimalist handles, a technical and stylistic evolution is observed starting from the 14th century. This transformation elevated the key from a mere functional tool to a genuine work of art, with mechanical ingenuity merging with increasing decorative sophistication during the Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque periods, resulting in creations of extraordinary inventiveness and virtuosity.
Specifically, the section of the collection dedicated to keys includes authentic masterpieces, such as a 17th-century French-made wrought-iron lantern key, a precious Venetian key that belonged to Doge Loredan, and a rare key of the Legion of Honor. Additionally, there is a significant chest lock crafted by an 18th-century Florentine artisan; a Renaissance “masterpiece” key in wrought iron (France, 17th century); an Empire safe, which showcases the typological and stylistic richness of a collection that harmonizes security, mechanical innovation, and excellent craftsmanship; and finally, an iron and glass door lock with an alarm system, originating from Sicily in the early 19th century.
“In an era dominated by standardized industrial production, this collection serves as a powerful reminder of how the art of wrought iron and locksmithing, for centuries, represented fertile ground for inventiveness and experimentation,” the text states. “The auction of the Leopoldo Conforti Collection rekindles attention towards a fascinating, yet often overlooked, chapter in the history of European craftsmanship.”
