Need someone with a knowledge of Victorian cast iron objects

[wilhenri]

Hi guys I found this recently seem no one else was interested in it. As you can see quite small made of cast iron and I was thinking as its shell shaped to hold water to wet postage stamps. The two characters look similar to Punch people but I was also thinking something like Duke of Wellington with his had round a Frenchman's throat. Anyway have a look all ideas welcome..

[mart]

Is anything written on the bottom ??

[Ipcress]

One day someone will find an item with " Hi, Mart ! " written on the bottom 

Strange thing, but then Victorian items often are ! Is that thin bar fixed or adjustable ?

Looks like Wee Willie Winkie fighting Napoleon

[mart]

LOL !! You know Ipcress,,that wouldn`t surprise me !! 

[wilhenri]

No marks anywhere or I would have used those as a lead. The bar is fixed.thought about ink but cat see that the bar would you be suitable to rest a dip pen. Like the wee Willie Willie idea.

[KC]

I have seen at one time in the past a cigar ashtray where they would use the wire to knock off/cut off the fire!  Had also seen it used to tap a pipe!

[mart]

Now that's a possibility KC !!  Been years since I have seen those !!

[wilhenri]

That's a good call though it would not be a large cigar would fill very quickly but for a cheroot may be..

[KC]

Note:  In Victorian times, cigarettes and cigars were slimmer!    Plus no filters on cigarettes - they used the holders which are collectors items.

[mart]

And they were usually personal ashtrays !!  Not a bunch of people like in later years !!