When I first saw the small metal replica of a horse’s backside, the vulgar epithet that one antagonist hurls at another came to mind. The item was lying on its side on the auction table, its third of a body chestnut, its tail black with hoofs painted the same color.
What is it, I wondered, figuring that it had to be more than what it appeared to be. There was no way to tell by just looking at it, because it was incomplete. It was obviously not a toy or a figurine. So I turned it over to see if I could find a maker’s name. Then I found the “what it is” answer inscribed on a thin metal plate encasing the perimeter of an opening on the back. It was made by a Newark, NJ, company named Scott Products, which also makes one using a horse’s head and sports-related figures.
I suppose the maker imprinted the name on the item because its use was unclear, and the company wanted to make sure we knew exactly what it was.
This horse’s backside, which was a tad shorter than my outstretched hand, was not just for show but was functional. Once, these items were always around in a kitchen drawer, and just about everybody had or needed one. A number of companies made them and put their names on them as advertisement. Some were very utilitarian-looking while others – like this figural horse’s behind – were novelty items.
Now they are not often used because the objects of their use have been supplanted by new and more efficient inventions.
Take a look at the photos and see if you can guess how it was and still can be used. Click on the final photo to see if you are correct.
