Very Old Hand-forged Iron Ring with Gestural Tail crib perhaps in a grid

perhaps in a grid

though it would make a pretty great trivet

each one representing its individual maker's solution to the problem of capturing

and the flatbed duplicating press

plenty of paint loss and separation of halves

Very Old Hand-forged Iron Ring with Gestural Tail crib perhaps in a gridMy guess is that this was made for carrying a candle around, but I'm not entirely sure. Definitely 19th c. if not earlier, hand forged of iron. I love it as a sculptural thing, with that tail, perfectly shaped for a finger to wrap itself around, making a really beautiful line. Lovely. 4 3 4" l x 2 1 4" t. 1 5 16" across interior of ring; 1 9 16 across exterior of ring. Good antique condition. Sturdy and sound and not shedding flaking.