Un petite cadeau, little gift

A vendor at an antiques market gave me this extraordinary hand -forged 17th c. lock plate as “un petit cadeau,” à little gift.

I’ve traced the top and bottom of the plate into my journal. I love it so much, and the fact that it was a gift makes me love it even more. We can’t wait to replace our dilapidated front door and add this beautiful example of craftsmanship to it. Every time we come, every time we go, every time we welcome loved ones into our home, we’ll add to the patina. The rest of our lives will play out in the rooms behind this gorgeous filigree. What a gift.
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