Interesting Chinese Lock...

[phrygianradar]

Hey everyone, I thought you all might like to see this interesting lock I picked up years ago in China. It is obviously very low security, but is still kind of neat since it's shaped like a rat!

http://s1358.photobucket.com/user/Natha ... sort=3&o=1

The key pushes the metal pieces together and allows the "tail" to slide out. I can't think of anything useful to do with it except keep it in my collection as a novelty. Here is what it looks like "unlocked".

http://s1358.photobucket.com/user/Natha ... sort=3&o=0

I have never picked it because I can't see the point; just thought that someone might get a kick out of seeing this.

Enjoy your weekend and happy picking!

Nathan

[bembel]

I don't see much practical use here, but I like it.

[LockDocWa]

Those types of locks have been made for a very long time. In innumerable styles.
They are for very low security situations.
Like keeping children out of cupboards.
The one you have there is pretty cool, I have never seen a rat holding
his tail in his mouth. How did you happen to get that one?

[phrygianradar]

Yes, no real practical use. I found it in a a little "shop" in Shanghai, more like a little table in a street bizarre. It was with a bunch of other misc. objects that tourists would be interested in, like Mao watches and buttons etc.

LockDoc, you hit the nail on the head. It is basically child prof security. I searched on google for Chinese locks and found a site that sells all the same locks, including my rat lock. I paid 3 bucks for it in China, but if you really want one you could get it on the internet for a bit more. Don't have any idea why someone would spend as much as they want, but if anyone is interested, here is the link:

http://www.aliexpress.com/compare/compa ... k-key.html

Neat to look at anyway.