a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush

While visiting my family cabin recently, I scored this absolute little beauty at one of the best antique stores in Invermere. This gorgeous bird is actually made of bronze; it is a lock from Ancient China that can be used on any hasp & staple closure, which can be commonly found on big wooden chests. The key pushes through the back of the bird to release the head, which opens the lock; isn’t it just fascinating?! One day I imagine it will lock a large wooden memory chest that my parents gifted me years ago (which is full of my baby & childhood keepsakes)… Until that day comes, this antique winged creature will be happily sitting in my bookshelf aviary, on top of my Robert Bateman’s Birds book, amongst other feathered friends.