(1850 W/Documented HISTORY) Wood Carved Folding Shelf

This is a small hand carved wooden shelf from England that has it's history written on the reverse.
"HAND CARVED IN ENGLAND ABOUT 1850. GIVEN TO JUDGE STEVEN GARRISON BY POSTMASTER TITUS. JUDGE GARRISON GAVE IT TO HARVEY GARRISON PELTON 1940. TO RALPH PELTON 1960. Medicine Lodge, Kansas. U.S.A."
I am wondering if the three loops stand for something like Father, Son and Holy Spirit or if it's just a chain.
I was amazed that someone actually was able to document the history of this beautiful carving. I would have just assumed it to be a Black Forest carved shelf from Germany. I'm proud to display this piece near my front door.