Evocative Antique Ironstone "Over-Lip Water-Well" (for Stamp Wetting, etc.) carnival knockdown cat with arms and legs holding

with arms and legs holding in a variety of ways

which makes it feel like painting

butterflies

and the whole thing quite sturdy

stamped on the back as having been made by Ebenezer Averill Boxworks

Evocative Antique Ironstone "Over-Lip Water-Well" (for Stamp Wetting, etc.) carnival knockdown cat with arms and legs holdingThe text excellent font, evocative phrases on this are what really do it for me, but I think the form is pretty compelling, too. Made of ironstone, with bright white glaze akin to antique British apothecary jars for toothpaste and cold cream, with great graphics, though this one was made in Vienna by L&C Hardtmuth. It was made as a water well indeed, to be used for moistening stamps or wetting fingertips while counting bills I believe or could be