Q:  This iron fireplace kettle belonged to my grandmother. I believe it to be over 100 years old. There is no maker’s mark. What is the purpose of the ring on the side? Does this have any value other than sentimental? 

A:  Although some people think it’s a ring for hanging the pot, it was described in an 1891 patent drawing as a ring for “facilitating the tilting of the kettle in use.” The ring is used to make it easier to tilt the kettle and pour out the contents. Unmarked cast iron kettles sell for about $25 to $40.