Antique Engraved Brass Wafer Press with Wrought Iron Handles; 18th Century Hearth Tool; Primitive Wafer Iron

Here's a rare, 18th Century, hearth tool in excellent, well preserved condition. This is an early wafer iron made of engraved brass and forged iron. Each side of the brass press has three different designs that made the confections fancy looking. The long, wrought handles made it possible to hold over an open fire for cooking. At the end of one handle is a small hole and the other has a notch where a clasp once was used for holding the press tightly together. Total length is 18 1/2 inches; width measures 4 3/4 inches. This piece opens and closes easily and there is no damage (or repairs). It is just as we found it with an untouched, old patina. Scarce and very collectible, this piece is museum quality!