The Arte dei Chiavaioli was one of the Arti Minori. Initially focused on home security, it evolved over time toward the creation of high-precision instruments.
Masters of Iron and Security
The artisans specialized in:
-
Locks and Keys: They created complex mechanisms that were both secure and artistic.
-
Home Accessories: They produced door hinges, hooks, tripods, and various iron and copper utensils.
A Diverse Guild
The guild included several different metal specialists:
-
Misc. Metalworkers: Coppersmiths (Calderai), Brass-smiths (Ottonai), and Tinsmiths (Stagnai).
-
Precision Scales: Makers of small scales used to weigh gold and precious coins.
The Advent of Clocks (Oriolai)
From 1451, the oriolai (clockmakers) became part of the Guild.
Fun Fact: Via dell’Oriuolo in Florence is named so because the city’s first public clock was built there. It was installed on the tower of Palazzo Vecchio and activated on March 25, 1353—a date that, at the time, marked the Florentine New Year.
-
Coat of Arms: Two white keys on a red field.
-
Patron Saint: Saint Zenobius (San Zanobi).
