Where did this (common? rare?) lantern come from?

I was driving by a construction site, and saw a laborer about to pitch this into a dumpster. Having perhaps more artistic appreciation than this fellow, I stopped the car, rolled down the window and shouted, "STOP! DON'T THROW THAT AWAY- it's MINE!"

Of course, I fairly leapt out of the car and approached the man, and, after a brief discussion of his desire to make a 'bonus' on his wages for that day, bargained him down to giving me the lamp for $10.00, instead of pitching into the dumpster. Whoo hoo! Art is saved once more from the junk pile. Or is it?
I do not have any idea of the origins of this piece, but it certainly cannot be too old, as it appears that it was last in service as a 3-socket hanging lamp.

I have scoured the web, visited antique shops, and until I came upon this site I held little hope that this piece could be put into it's appropriate historical perspective. I think that when a body takes the time to work the iron, embellishing it with some level of skill, and builds it to last, it has intrinsic value. Plus, it has a Spanish/Gothic feel to it which lens itself to a Halloween haunted house motif, and cold also enhance the room when hung from exposed wood rafters, or complement a fireplace.
I value anything which was made with skill and care, and is crafted to last, even if it's not 'my style' or something I ever want to see again. I guess it seems right to say that Art and Craft have intrinsic value to me.

As I am a new member, please break the news to me gently(!) if this is a mass-produced piece, as it seems so unlikely that that could be the case. Of course, we all want to believe that our piece of art is something special, so I shall not feign surprise nor admit discontent if it is common: I merely wish to know what application or use might best be made of it.

Thank you!

The Raging Scotsman