Small hand-forged plate latch from France ca. 1640-1740

Unique Avian-themed very early French plate latch featuring the maker's fine blacksmithing talent.  Beaked birds form the upper and lower details on the backing plate. The piece is "as found' in the village of Villefranche. The absence of wear marks on the latchbar suggests it was not used in a heavy traffic area and perhaps was accessible only from the outside of its enclosure, like a cupboard latch. The latch is functional, but the spring will eventually have to be replaced. 

Plate is 5 1/4" high, with a 6" latch bar.