gothic piece- who can identify it?

[txpathfinder]

I got permission to detect an old house that is being sold. I found this buried shallow in the backyard. It measure about 6 inches. The lady who lived next door and whose grandma ownwd the house I was searchin' told me that when they got a new heating unit installed they threw everything that was in the basement in the yard. It looks very period but to what - I don't know. My wife who is quite smart thinks it has to do with something electrical. Who can tell me what it is?

 

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[Charlie P. (NY)]

Appears to be a very well made piece (I am awed by the craftsmanship of 1880 to 1890 era for even the mundane pieces). Cover for a steam safety vent?

 

[txpathfinder]

Appears to be a very well made piece (I am awed by the craftsmanship of 1880 to 1890 era for even the mundane pieces). Cover for a steam safety vent?

I agree, I thought it was beautiful when I picked it off the ground. My wife and I are fond of the 'fleur de lys" and this has elements of that. thanks for the reply. I know you usually like to chuck it up (clown and kid)

 

[Montana Jim]

It looks like the only way to secure it to anything would be via the holes... but none of them look recessed at all. It also looks liek it was made to lay flat against... ??

What would it cover?

Why the three holes?

Why am I asking these questions out loud?

 

[Ed-NH]

Wow it sure has the look of half a crotal bell enclosed in a beautiful frame. I wonder if it was related to an ornate piece of horse equipment.

 

[Arizona Bob]

Maybe a flag-stand or holder?

 

[siz3petite]

Perhaps a wall sconce lighting fixture?

It looks similar to the attached photo of a wall sconce.

 

[txpathfinder]

Maybe a flag-stand or holder?

Original poster: Brilliant, I can imagine it, now that you mention it. Until someone has the definitive answer I lean towards this one. Thanks everyone for helping to ID it.

 

[Montana Jim]

Maybe a flag-stand or holder?

Original poster: Brilliant, I can imagine it, now that you mention it. Until someone has the definitive answer I lean towards this one. Thanks everyone for helping to ID it.

LOL... okay - it's a flag stand / holder!

I was gonna say quill holder... but...

 

[QUICKSILVER (appletree)]

A peep hole for a front door

 

[Ocean Oso]

Old door bell cover or wall sconce for the front/back porch.

 

[DanB]

looks like it will hold 3 sticks of incense .....I say incense holder / stand

nice find !

db

 

[txpathfinder]

The holes are too large for holding incense. The tip of your pinky would fit well into one of those. I like the flag holder best yet.

 

[mrjosh]

Could it be part of a door knocker?

 

[Hardy]

GOD, I HAVE NOT SEEN ONE OF THOSE IN YEARS , EVER SINCE GRANDMA'S ANTIQUE BOILER LITE WHENT OUT