Dug this out of a bin of old toys at a garage sale. It’s heavy metal, looks like a jack but much bigger and ornate. No moving parts.

tablecloth during meals. This particular piece, with its elaborate design and significant weight, was likely used in a formal dining setting, adding both utility and aesthetic appeal to the dining experience.

In historic dining traditions, knife rests served the practical purpose of preventing cutlery from soiling the tablecloth. Positioned between courses or when cutlery was not in use, they were a common feature on affluent tables. Their designs ranged from simple bars to more elaborate pieces, like the one found,