This is a cistern cup chain. These cups were the internal mechanism inside a cistern pump that were lowered into a well of collected rainwater by a gear and handle. Cisterns are underground waterproof storage tanks and were common prior to indoor plumbing. Cisterns were used to hold the collection of soft water, usually rain water that was fed from the building’s downspout. Some families used rain barrels, but cisterns held more water.
Today this piece of history makes for Fabulous way of displaying dried or live flowers or succulents. It is also great for hanging small plants on your porch, patio or indoors. Use this in the office to hold pencils and other supplies. In the kitchen, they’re great utensil holders.
There is wear and rust on some of the metal links as is expected with its age.
