Have read somewhere about these - large & small. This one measurs just over 3" wide and I believe would sit flat if not for the rope on the bottom. There is what appears to be a seam around the circumference, yet the bottom resembles a pontil [part of it resembles more of a wax seal!]. I "think" the lighter color rope is original, but for some reason never turned the darker brown. My fater has a couple of these small ones, most without rope and also has 2 larger ones, one with original rope. Any comments welcomed. Thanks, Linda B.