Very Old Hand-forged Iron Ring with Gestural Tail crib Great old chippy white paint

Great old chippy white paint on both sides (the white in photos varies a bit

perhaps in a grid

though it would make a pretty great trivet

and ferociously bared teeth

Very Old Hand-forged Iron Ring with Gestural Tail crib Great old chippy white paintMy 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.