It says Universal and above that has a 00, then on the handle it says Made in the U.S.A. then on the outside of the handle it says LF&C BRITIAN CONN, USA
The overmantle was above the fireplace of our c1940 house when we bought it but was not part of the original home. (It was sitting on the mantle piece and held there with a bent nail) but had obviously been there for many years.
Previous occupants were European immigrants (now deceased) and it may have been added by them.
It is made of a light weight wood which appears to have been decorated with ornate timber mouldings.
Several different designs including acorns and leaves have been used as borders for the various sections
The mantle has a picture at either end of similar european country scenes and a bevelled diamond shaped mirror in the centre. There is a narrow shelf running along the top edge supported by ornate timber brackets.
The back is covered with tar paper which has been partially torn. What looks like staples holding the backings of the pictures under the tar paper is actually small metal pieces like very old, flattened, headless nails.
on the plate reads as such...Big Arliss.Light Skin.Breeder.#376 Next level is,Eislworth.Padgett&Brockman.II.Next down is, Horses,Mules&Docile.African Niggers..Next down is..Birmingham,Alabama..next down is 1854
