What is this old iron rod?

I purchased this old iron rod today that looks like it has a branding iron on the end of it. I'm a little puzzled as to what it's actual use was intended for.

The iron rod is about 3 feet long and the end has about a 3 3/4" diameter. The iron rod looks old and blacksmith made to me.

Does anyone know what this iron rod is, what it was used for and perhaps when it was made (time period) or anything else?

Thanks!
Kevin

 

I think it's for carrying molten metal or glass in a container.
Could also be a brand.

 

looks like a branding iron...

 

One of many possibilities would be a fireplace tool designed to open the small trap door in the center of the fireplace to let ashes fall out. Tool is held so the straightened part of the circular collar can hook under the right side of the trap door. Tool handle is then twisted clockwise, lifting right side of trapdoor.

 

I think Komo nailed it with branding iron!!

 

I'm going to stick with branding iron.....likely from the California area.

 

Could be a brand something like; The Waving C Ranch or some such.
~
This tool is similar and is for hot glass handling. I suspect similar for metal crucibles. It is termed a 'snapcase'.
~

 

You can see it's been in extreme heat repeatedly which would be the case for either tool option though probably more so for branding...which I've done thank you.

 

I was thinking " the Limp C ranch "
or
Lisp C Ranch !! hehehe!!!

 

Oh my.... You savage....

 

Cannon ball carrier?

 

Interesting thought but the side supports would have to be bowed out so the ring could cup the ball.

 

Small cannon ball?

 

Then it would fall through...

 

I vote branding iron, for sure!

EDIT
And may I add... looking at it makes me CRINNNNNNGE!

 

how many tattoo 's do you have ?

 

None! No BRANDS either!

EDIT

And YOUUUUUUUUUU???????????

 

we are not allowed to tat our bodies.....

 

Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...
Thanks.
Now I know.

 

Thanks for *all* the replies! It looks like the vote goes to branding iron. Although, it looks like it could be used for other purposes.