Old Solid Brass Pointing Hand Paperweight and Pen Holder hand-painted wooden cutout and in great shape to

and in great shape to hold the pages of a great American novel yet to be written

This little creation just makes me smile every time I look at it

I believe American and I think likely 2nd half of the 19th century

and it is a super useful one

Old Solid Brass Pointing Hand Paperweight and Pen Holder hand-painted wooden cutout and in great shape toI really love this old hand holding a ball between two fingers just as an object to set anywhere, but realized it was probably made as a paperweight + ink pen holder, as there is an opening on one side of the ball, just large enough to stick the tip of a pen or pencil inside. Wonderful patina, terrific weight (solid cast brass I believe) and great details, including a ring on the middle finger. Late 19th c. or so I would guess. 3 3 4" l x 2 1 4" w x 7