Handle for something

[bbroth]

I found this in a field in England where artifacts date from yesterday to pre-Roman. It seems to be made of a copper alloy and is 3 inches tall. There is a little iron at the base and I think it must have been the handle for something. On its right side it has the letters TG. Any ideas? Thanks

 

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[shaun7]

Could be a pipe tamper!

 

[BioProfessor]

Many times, a pipe tamper will have a cross-hatched design on the bottom. Take a look.

Also just a word of caution. The UK has really tightened up the rules and upped the penalties for taking items out of the country without an export license. The reason I am saying this in regards to this object is that when an export license is given, the item has to be photographed and identified BEFORE leaving the country. It would not be good to spent some time in the UK for free - courtesy of the government.

If it is not a pipe tamper, it may have been a decorative object to hold something closed in an outdoor garden or fence.

Daryl

 

[traderoftreasures]

welcome to the t'net. woodland park is pretty sweet out there. i sometimes trout fish out at 11 mile canyon.

 

[CRUSADER]

Does the base have a slot now filled with rusty iron?

At 3" tall its too small for a pipe tamper & the iron was most likely a blade.

It doesn't look ancient but is possibly part of the Greek Revival in the late 18th C to early 19th C. Similar in appearance to a Bronze 'Herm' or a statue with no legs (as such) representing Hermes (later to become Mercury in Roman speak). Yours is in this style but not the same. Not sure if that is grapes behind its back?
Can you make out any other items its wearing/holding? I would think it represents one of the Greek Gods.
http://www.edgarlowen.com/b3055.jpg
http://booksdofurnisharoom.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/2007/07/01/chiswick_house_herm.jpg

 

[CRUSADER]

http://www.pewterreplicas.com/dept.asp?id=31

It also remids me of apostles spoon's, replicas shown above. However, they are normal pewter & the apostles hold the Bible in 1 hand