Vintage small decorative or novelty cast iron piece, spider skillet by Whatnot Products Reading, PA.
A maker known for various novelty and reproduction cast iron items. This skillet features a deep, rounded bowl and an elongated, flat handle typical style of 19th-century open-hearth or campfire cookware.
While it is modeled after a traditional three-legged hearth skillet (historically called a "spider skillet" because the legs allowed it to sit directly over open coals), this small-scale version was actually designed as a novelty advertising piece or a personal ashtray popular in the mid-20th century using as an ashtray or trinket dish.
Measures approx. 12” in length with handle x 5” wide with basin 1 1/2” deep. Preowned condition, shows some patina and wear. Perfect for your decor, with hole at end of handle to hang if desired.
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