Arts & Crafts Era Hand-forged Iron Horse Boot Scraper antique wooden apples 7 1/8" l x 1

7 1/8" l x 1 1/8" w x 7/8" d

When I first saw this piece I immediately thought of Australian Aboriginal paintings with their stunning dot patterns

It would originally have had four small wicker sling loops for a narrow cord--one can see on the sides

though I haven't managed to remove the hook from its "bracket

It also suggests that this store was pushing a generic brand of petroleum jelly

Arts & Crafts Era Hand-forged Iron Horse Boot Scraper antique wooden apples 7 1/8" l x 1From what I have been able to learn, I believe this wonderful horse shaped boot scraper is Arts & Crafts era, dating to 1920 or so. I just love the form, which feels a little bit Etruscan and a little bit Scandinavian, too, and with the fabulously curled tail reminiscent of early wrought iron railings and gates and handles. This hand forged boot scraper was definitely used, showing plenty of rusting and erosion, which makes me love it more. There are