Term for the Day: Escutcheon

An escutcheon on an antique secretaire.

An escutcheon, in the case of clocks, architecture or furnishings, is a plate that surrounds a keyhole or lock cylinder. The escutcheon serves to protect the lock or winding mechanism from damage or scratching and also prevents damage to outer area around the keyhole.

Mother of Pearl escutcheon on a papier mache writing slope.

Most escutcheons are metal, however, sometimes they can be crafted of other materials such as porcelain, bone, mother of pearl or enamel.