Are trivits really for use or display?

[Shane Lewis]

I've managed to aquire a few cast iron trivits while searching flea markets.
Anyway, they are fairly small, and have that "wall hanger" feel to them more than something that was meant to be used to set a hot pan on.
I think I have only seen one trivit that looked like it was actually meant to be used.
So,where most just nick nacks, or made for actual use back in the day?

[Frank Burkhead]

Shane, trivets had many uses, but many of the old ones you find were for a sad iron. Sad irons came in many sizes, but many were quite small. Modern trivets have been made however as strictly decorative items too.