Decorative metal piece? or????

[damiani1]

Hi, found this at a site that is quite old (1790's) it was found at 8 inches. I got home and was about to throw it out but I started scrubbing it with a brush for the heck of it and seen that there was some markings. As for knowing what it is I have no idea where to start

 

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[cudamark]

Looks a little like a bowl for a fountain or bird bath,

 

[Mekong Mike]

That's a poor spout at the top. I guess it's a mold for something. That's why the inscription on the inside.

Metal or wax..not sure which one.

 

[cudamark]

That may be where it dumps into the next lower tier in a fountain.

 

[trikikiwi]

It reminds me of a Holy Water font (Roman Catholic).

Mike

 

[Clay Fisher2]

Found a simular piece at an estate sale but wasn't as ornate as this. It was a decorative ink well. The ink pot had a hinged top. It was broken.

 

[cudamark]

Kinda big for an ink well isn't it? What would be the point of the embossing if it was covered in ink?

 

[Clay Fisher2]

There are some rather large desk ink well sets as in this photo. This was just MY guess. I'm certainly no expert but if I were and one made a ridiculous guess I certainly hope I wouldn't throw sarcasm and post a cartoon character just to further make a point. Maybe that's just coming from a lady's prospective...