Cast Iron Owl

Hi All,
I picked up this cast iron owl ( 6 1/4"H x 3 1/2" x 3 1/4" base) and thought it would be for candles. There is an indent inside the base I suspect would be for a candle, but I'm not sure this was meant to open as the seams are tight, almost non existent on the top. Maybe the paint has filled in the seams? I can find one other exactly the same as this on ebay, it isn't painted like mine. So maybe someone painted mine after they bought it?
Any ideas appreciated
thanks for looking
https://www.ebay.ca/itm/VINTAGE-HANGING-CAST-IRON-OWL-CANDLE-LANTERN/173474802022

 

See that screw where the beak is? 2 part casting and yeah. Paint probably filled in the separation line. You will need to unscrew it and use maybe a small hardwood wedge and tapping hammer as not to screw up the cast iron seam area

I'de give it a paint stripper bath then repaint it with BBQ black high temp paint

 

Oh geez, I didn't even see that, Thank-you Rayo The paint is pretty thick, I think I'll just leave it as is.

 

That one on eBay is SO NICE!!!! HOPEFULLY, you can bring yours back to something like that!!!! I can't believe anyone would glop so much paint on anything..............!

BESIDES, Look at the eBay image below, screw is oriented differently, but clean it out thoroughly, before trying to unscrew, so you don't strip it......and do what Rayo56 suggested......it will look awesome!!!!! Then you will be a GREAT STRIPPER!!!!!

 

Looks like an old string holder but they usually have an opening on the bottom.

 

Hi,
I have a large fish lamp that was painted black like your owl. I stripped the paint off and it is solid brass. Now I put a tea light in it and it hangs on my patio.
greg

 

Flying fish?

 

Thanks for all the replies folks

lol Aquitaine

coreya, that is a great idea, this would make a very cool string holder

 

Sure looks like it's a candle lantern. Looks like it would have that sort of application with the holes cut in it. Would probably look pretty lit up.

 

Hi,
Here is my brass fish lantern.
greg

 

@gregsglass, LOVE your fish lantern !!!!!!!

 

that is a great lantern greg