Old Solid Brass Pointing Hand Paperweight and Pen Holder hand-painted wooden cutout (This would definitely make prepping

(This would definitely make prepping for a spelling bee more fun

very heavy for its size so great as a paperweight

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

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

though I do think that the integrity of these rather calls for coffee served strong and pure

Old Solid Brass Pointing Hand Paperweight and Pen Holder hand-painted wooden cutout (This would definitely make preppingI 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