Help ID Metal Holder of Some Sort

Hi all,
Trying to figure out what this is. Made of metal, attracted to a magnet, 4 1/4" x 3 1/4"W x 2"D, the head is 2"L, the opening at the top is 1" x 1 1/2", two little tab feet at the bottom that must have fit into some base which I don't have.
Any ideas appreciated
thanks for looking

 

How big is the opening in the head? (Assuming the dimensions you gave are for the whole thing?)

 

Thanks Bakers
Yes, the dimensions are for the whole thing, I've added the head dimensions too The head is 2"L, the opening is 1" x 1 1/2"

 

So at that size I'd say what I thought first - match holder.

 

thanks again bakers
Yes, that is what I was thinking, attached to an ashtray or some type of stand. I'm hoping someone will have a photo of a complete one so I can see what I'm missing.

 

You find some of the neatest stuff up there!

 

This is probably way off, but I'm wondering if it has anything to do with George C. Tilyou, the owner of Steeplechase Park at Coney Island in NY.

 

Thanks SBSVC I'll see if I can find anything!

 

Yes it is a “holder, match” in this museum’s catalog. https://wcma.pastperfectonline.com/vocabulary?keyword=Templin,+J.+C.+(Mr.)&letter=T&searchtype=people&showsearch=true

I too think it relates to George C. Tilyou, and the horseshoe design relates to the steeplechase. Tilyou is considered the father of the amusement park. His caricature was spread all over period ephemera, easy to find on Google, looks a lot like Alfred E. Newman with the big grin. The image on the iron holder doesn’t look much like the paper versions, must have used a low-bidder pattern maker.

 

nope, nothing there

 

Wow, that is flipping amazing you found this, THANK-YOU Spring I've had this for some time and have googled and come up with zip - how did you find this?
Interesting to see they say the face represented the Pope, to me it looks like a native American.
So maybe this wasn't attached to anything else? Off to do some poking around.

 

So if it was from Steeplechase Park, could it have been either a prize or a giveaway at the park?

I remember going to Steeplechase when I was in 6th grade.

 

Nice work Spring !!! .. Joy.

 

Quotation marks when appropriate can narrow a search productively. I think I searched for the exact text on the item. “......”. Credit is due SBSVC who made the critical Tilyou connection.

 

Great research, everyone! Cool piece, Cx.

 

Ok, from what I've found I believe these were made for customers (Christmas advertising give aways) of Superior Barn Ltd., Fergus Ontario by George Maud(e), President of the company.
I can't find any connection to George C. Tilyou or Steeplechase Park.