My source at the Chinese Embassy in Singapore said nothing of that...but I wouldn't put it past them, would you?
No. The photo displays the object exactly as you would see it in the real world. Based on what I know of the people on this board, I would expect martin to have the best chance of guessing this object. I would have Herb and Red tied for 2nd place.
It's looks like a latch of some kind. The rod looks like a door lock inside of a car door (just waiting for a slim jim to open it).
