Antique Hand Wrought Iron Door Latch or Garden Gate Latch

This is a very old hand-wrought iron latch to a door, cabinet, or possibly a garden gate latch. It is somewhat crudely made and rusted, and is about 6.5 inches (17 cm) long. It is made of relatively thin pieces of iron, particularly the thumb press on the latch, which is bent from banging on the clasp. This is a simple latch mechanism, with riveted construction, and a curved, j-shaped piece of metal that would have been hammered into the gate post or door frame. It is a crude mechanism, and the door probably would have reliably latched only with the thumb pressing down while closed (probably why the latch is bent). While it is not in great condition, it can be cleaned up, and can add a nice look in a barn, cabin, shed, or antique corner cupboard.