Gold gilded figure????

[Smilodon]

I had a friend post this for me a year or so ago in todaysfinds section but we never received a positive id on this. It was found in an area that I have found mainly Revolutionary war items. This site has produce many Revolutionary buttons, some of them were lying right on the surface. What brought me to this site was a fallen tree that I could see black glass exposed in the root system. I ran the detector over it and found this figure. It was suggested that it was Catholic or possibly the French goddess Marian. I was also told that it was gold gilded and was not made from mold. If you were to fold back the arm it would fit back perfectly in the body of the piece. The front foot is formed in a correct position for walking as the back foot is more flat and points straight down does not seem anatomically correct but it is all there.

 

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[RvaDiggn]

WOW, that looks really old, seems to be dressed like they did in the Roman days

 

[jdsarasin8194]

looks more like brass... but the green tarnish makes me thing copper... brass plated copper thing maybe?
I'll watch to see what the people who actually know things say

 

[Breezie]

I'm thinking she is a figure from an antique French urn (possibly a water urn,) candelabra or clock. If it is from this Neo Classical era, it would be gilded bronze. Women and cherubs were the chosen figural display. During this time, the figures were full figures, not flat, so your could be a 'knock-off' of the true French pieces, which made it more affordable. Her foot is probably turned and made that way for attachment purposes. Below are a few examples of the intricate gilded work. Interesting find & WELCOME to the forum, Breezie

 

[RvaDiggn]

That's Hebe, the Goddess of Youth(Greek) , or Juventas (Roman)

 

[Breezie]

That's Hebe, the Goddess of Youth(Greek) , or Juventas (Roman)

Good eye RvaDiggn!! Yes, she does look like Hebe, which would explain my urn theory; hence the cup bearer serving nectar to the Gods. Breezie

 

[trixie charger]

Looks like Lilith to me

 

[Smilodon]

Thanks for all the help, It does seem to be a figure of Hebe. Any Idea why it would be at a Revolutionary war site? and It was suggested that the material I found was from most likely a camp site based on what was found. This item did not appear to fit in with the other items found. Last it is totally encrusted with sand and other debris and have not cleaned it with the exception of soap and water. The sand and other materail is encrucsted on almost the entire item with the exeption of the shiny gold color areas. Any idea if first it should be cleaned up and if so, how? Also any value

 

[DCMatt]

Thanks for all the help, It does seem to be a figure of Hebe. Any Idea why it would be at a Revolutionary war site? and It was suggested that the material I found was from most likely a camp site based on what was found. This item did not appear to fit in with the other items found. Last it is totally encrusted with sand and other debris and have not cleaned it with the exception of soap and water. The sand and other materail is encrucsted on almost the entire item with the exeption of the shiny gold color areas. Any idea if first it should be cleaned up and if so, how? Also any value

Google "Liberty in the Form of the Goddess of Youth Giving Support to the Bald Eagle".

In this enormously popular allegory that celebrated nationhood in the years after the American Revolution, Liberty is portrayed as a female adolescent. Draped in a long, flowing gown, this stylized Liberty nourishes the Republic (represented by the eagle).

This might provide a clue...

DCMatt

 

[Broken knee]

Could it be one half of a book end that was attached to a matching piece with wire at the feet?Just a thought, HH
Broken Knee