(101) This listing is for a most interesting little Antique (c early 1900s) item of Chinoises collectable - A Traditional Chinese Horizontal Puzzle Lock / Guangshou Lock / Split-spring Padlock made of cast brass. Unlike Western padlocks that use a rotating key to turn a cylinder, this historical Asian style lock relies on a linear, push-button mechanical sequence.

To use the lock, the left portion acts as a removable slider bar containing internal splitting leaf springs. When you push the slider into the main hollow brass housing, the springs expand outwards against internal flanges, trapping the bar firmly in place. The key is a flat, narrow strip of brass with precise geometric notches cut out of the front or sides. For the unlocking sequence, you must insert the flat key into the horizontal slot on the right-hand end, pushing the key straight through slides it directly over the internal springs, squeezing them tightly together. Once the springs are fully compressed, the entire left shackle bar safely unlatches and slides free.

At approximately 38mm long, mini locks of this scale are traditionally used to secure and accent Chinese jewellery boxes, heirloom wooden chests, wedding boxes, and Asian cabinet doors. They are highly collected today as functional puzzle pieces, decorative desk hardware, or auspicious symbols of good luck. 

I Have More Chinoises & Locks and Keys, Together with Numerous Other Vintage and Antique Listings - Multi Item Postage Discount would of course be given where applicable.

Thank you for taking time to peruse my collection, and stay well,     Colin