Thin Pressed Metal Easel Thingie with Heron/Crane in Cattails

8.25 inches tall. 5.5 inches wide.

A leg on the back pulls out or folds down
flat. There is a glob of ancient dried up mucilage glue on the front foot.
That makes me think there was originally another part glued on that's missing now.



There is a little square bump on the log that
might be a maker's mark or logo. Nothing
readable, even with a loupe or extreme close
up mode with the camera.

What is the sliding part on the tension spring
meant to hold in place?



I'm pretty sure there are pieces missing. Any ideas what this is a part of and what was the use/purpose?
All ideas and even wild guesses encouraged!
I've been coming up blank. Thanks!

The metal is NOT magnetic. Also, this is very light and delicate.

 

I was thinking a bookstand or for a framed photo or artwork, but your "very light and delicate" makes me wonder if for sheet music.

 

Good idea! I am Googling.

 

The hook is for something small and rather rigid - perhaps a place card. Being as it would not stand as it is now, there was probably a cross piece at the bottom of the front leg.

 

@terry5732 You're right about that. I couldn't make it stand up for the pictures.

 

These little 4in high photo frames have some similarities to your item.
I hadn't been able to find out much about these, think they are likely from US due to Wendell Holmes quote.

 

Thanks @Houseful - They are so similar! There must be a name for these things. I am still having no luck finding any using descriptive words searches.