YMCA, Dec 25, 1919, Unusual Antique Type-Stamped Solid Lead Miniature Folk Art Book hand-sewn mat the FREE in free cats

the FREE in free cats here feels as much like a call for freedom (from tyrannical forces

they're just gorgeous

and also like it in its presumably unfinished state--a table mat I'd guess that never became  quite round

and from top of the hanger to the tip of their toes is 9"

and carved flip up top opening

YMCA, Dec 25, 1919, Unusual Antique Type-Stamped Solid Lead Miniature Folk Art Book hand-sewn mat the FREE in free catsThis one is very much of the ilk of a miniature folk art book carved of marble or stone, but instead is made of solid lead (and as such can be used to draw with, like a pencil!) I have no knowledge of its connection to the YMCA on Christmas in 1919, but those were the fairly early years of the YMCA in the United States, with the organization providing a wide array of programs services to diverse populations. I have found a fair number of old YMCA