This is a cast iron pot hook from the late 1800's. These cooking implements were important for a cook that was serving up meals to a bunch of hungry cowboys, or soldiers, etc. These hooks allowed the cook to lift different pots of beans, stew, chili or what ever he was cooking up for that meal, off the fire when it was done. This one measures 8 1/2" long. The hook was made to slide under a loop in the lid of the pot to raise and check on the food. When the cook deemed it ready, he slid the hook under the carrying handle of the pot and removed it from the fire. The handle is a big wide loop, allowing the cook to wear gloves or use a cloth to protect his hands from burns. These make great additions to camp scenes from the Civil War, Indian Wars, all the way up to WWI. They also make great kitchen decorations!

Item # AA1443