Hi all, I'm a longtime lurker, occasional poster, and big fan. This one stumped me. Could use a little help. I found this object while metal detecting with my sons on an undeveloped portion of a friend's property along the Potomac, but we found it on the surface. The location is part of the original Mt. Vernon estate, but likely used only as pasture until the 1800s, at which point a fishery, ferry landing, and a handful of residences were located nearby. Here are the specs:
a. approximately 8 inches long and seemingly made of brass or bronze
b. The item is configured like a totem with a bust on top, but there are no other discernible figures below. The remainder of the totem appear to be filigree
c. The bust appears to me to be in the style of a Greek or roman figure but I'm not confident I'm right. And I don't think the item itself if Greek or Roman. Given the location of the find, perhaps a modern or antique homage to the Greek or Roman style.
d. Given the flat back, it appears to have been cast in a mold. Also, the rear is completely unfinished leading me to believe it was affixed to something else or was otherwise designed to be seen from only one side.
e. There are no marks, symbols, or writing
f. For what its worth, I've theorized: (1) hairpin, barrette, or other type of hair ornamentation (but seemed too heavy and could not find similar online); (2) swizzle (but could not find similar online and odd to have only one finished side); (3) bookmark (but too thick (most of profile is about 1/4 in thick); (4) ornamentation that fell off a bible, frame, or furnishing.
Thanks for looking and for offering your thoughts. I've likely omitted some important detail so please respond with any questions.
Best,
Wilsondog
a. approximately 8 inches long and seemingly made of brass or bronze
b. The item is configured like a totem with a bust on top, but there are no other discernible figures below. The remainder of the totem appear to be filigree
c. The bust appears to me to be in the style of a Greek or roman figure but I'm not confident I'm right. And I don't think the item itself if Greek or Roman. Given the location of the find, perhaps a modern or antique homage to the Greek or Roman style.
d. Given the flat back, it appears to have been cast in a mold. Also, the rear is completely unfinished leading me to believe it was affixed to something else or was otherwise designed to be seen from only one side.
e. There are no marks, symbols, or writing
f. For what its worth, I've theorized: (1) hairpin, barrette, or other type of hair ornamentation (but seemed too heavy and could not find similar online); (2) swizzle (but could not find similar online and odd to have only one finished side); (3) bookmark (but too thick (most of profile is about 1/4 in thick); (4) ornamentation that fell off a bible, frame, or furnishing.
Thanks for looking and for offering your thoughts. I've likely omitted some important detail so please respond with any questions.
Best,
Wilsondog
The details are amazing. Regarding an ID, I'm not sure. It almost looks like something an art museum commissioned as part of a larger exhibit. However, the absence of marks raises doubts on that theory. If you don't get an ID on TNet, I'd show it to Curators at local art and history museums.
