Fabulous 19th Century Iron Lightening Rod Pointing Hand

Fabulous. I purchased this one from a favorite dealer couple in southern Maine, who have a great eye for the graphically appealing, an appreciation for antique iron, and knack for finding unexpected things. 19th century I believe, this I believe would once have been the vertical piece of a lightening rod, designed to protect buildings from lightning strikes and fires by attracting lightning bolts and channeling their energy into the ground--with the iron hand pointing heavenward. I believe a horizontal weathervane spinner would likely have intersected it at the middle where the loops are, which squeeze together tight and would have been held in place that way. Now, just fantastic mounted on the wall, pointing up, or down, or to the left, or the right--useful for signaling all sorts of  things!  Unusual, with perfect patina to the iron.

24 1/4" l x 4 1/2" w. Hand itself measures 5" l. When squeezed at the middle, the lower legs extend to 14" wide. Beautiful aging to the iron, just right--not shedding or flaking, stable and sound and not at all fragile.