Unusual and Marvelous Antique Carved Butter Pat with Pointing Hand and Snake to han g possibly replacing a former horn

possibly replacing a former horn handle at some point

but I haven't found one with a removable copper ashtray fitted and set on top

7 5/8" t x 6 3/8" w x 5 1/4" and in excellent antique condition

Thanks to the help of a brilliant customer

He definitely shows age

Unusual and Marvelous Antique Carved Butter Pat with Pointing Hand and Snake to han g possibly replacing a former hornI splurged on this one because I think it is so lovely, and unusual, and while I have never paid a lot of attention to carved butter molds and pats, which I believe this is, it makes a very strong argument for paying more attention, though I have most definitely not seen another like this. The carved hand on one side with finger pointing upward makes me believe it dates to the 1880s or so, as it is right about then that one sees grave markers carved