Blacksmith wrought stand dated 1761

This may be the oldest pressing iron stand or trivet in my collection. Dated 1761, it precedes the Revolutionary War. I purchased it from an online auction in January 2020; you’ll find additional images here.

I’m assuming it’s Early American but must consider the possibility that it was made in England and brought overseas to the Colonies.

The entire stand measures 11 1/2″ x 4 3/4″ with three 1 1/4″ legs. The wooden handle portion is 4 1/4″ long. The two sides rise 1/2″ above the base to accommodate a pressing iron. Within the top circle are the initials T E ✦ M and the date 1761.

This stand is fashioned of wrought iron with a wooden handle. One mortice and tenon attachment at the lower right is broken. Unfortunately that wasn’t mentioned in the auction listing and I overlooked the defect in the auction images. (I bid remotely and didn’t attend a preview).

I consulted with a blacksmith and yes, it could possibly be repaired but not easily, and any repair most likely would affect its value. So I’m using a pinch of Museum Wax to hold that point in place and display it cautiously. I’ll eventually purchase a small hinged glass display case to protect it in.