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I chose Toggle as a descriptive name for this out of sublime ignorance...a proper name for it, and its use, will be greatly appreciated!

It's about 43mm wide & 33mm high; it's hollow, the bar is 2mm x 16mm, and it weighs all of 9 grams. There is a faintly visible hallmark above the floral image, and I'll try to get & post a decent pic of that soon.

Both sides are high-relief repousse' showing extremely fine tool-marks in the fields. I cannot see any seam indicating how the (assumed) 2 halves were joined.

The 4 characters are what most intrigue me. Your translation assistance is eagerly sought, and all comments will be gratefully acknowledged...Thank You!

Not sure 'toggle' suits the piece. Perhaps a buckle of some sort. Mark is '百家保' (bai jia bao) perhaps 'Many protectors'.

Best regards,

Bill H.

Thanks, Bill...

You're right: Toggle was off the top of my head, and was promptly corrected by a member of another forum.

Patterned after a Chinese lock, it's known as a Spirit Lock. Worn by children, who are most vulnerable to dangers regarding their spirit, it has no moving parts, nor any key.

I am certainly grateful for your spot-on translation!

Very best wishes! Warren

This is a Chinese longevity lock, also known as the "Baijiabao (百家保）lock", which a baby wears on its hand or neck, expresses people's good wishes that the lock will bring health and good luck to the child。

Search keyword "longevity lock," you will find more information.

It's in the shape of a Chinese lock, and the inscription is consistent with that, but there doesn't seem to be any mechanism, so that along with its size suggests it's an amulet: https://blog.clars.com/longevity-locks-silver-childrens-accessories/

That link was well worth the visit, and Thanks!

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