Very Old Hand-forged Iron Ring with Gestural Tail ornamental box Swarthmore College and the Art

Swarthmore College and the Art Students League of New York

and watercolor) on lined paper and in very good condition

but imagine it would shine up some if desired

with the leather sewn to either edge

Very Old Hand-forged Iron Ring with Gestural Tail ornamental box Swarthmore College and the ArtMy 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.