seldom found original mid-1880's antique american ornamental cast iron figural feline bracket or corbel originally affixed to the underside of a patented dawson brothers cast iron fireplace mantel shelf. the visually striking bracket is exquisitely detailed in high relief. the wrought iron ring is original and intact. the figural bracket was fabricated by the dawson brothers, a prominent chicago-based outfit specializing in gas grates, gas-logs, mantels and mosaic tile work. the mantle shelf bracket contains a mostly uniform brass-plated metallic finish. the bracket measures 9 1/2 x 5 x 2 inches.