Hi all, I'm a longtime lurker, occasional poster, big fan, and cross-poster from "What is it?". I recently 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. Based on pictures I've seen online it looks like a medieval stylus or hair pin, but given its location in Virginia and its condition, I'm guessing its a modern or vintage reproduction.
Thanks for looking and for offering your thoughts.
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. Based on pictures I've seen online it looks like a medieval stylus or hair pin, but given its location in Virginia and its condition, I'm guessing its a modern or vintage reproduction.
Thanks for looking and for offering your thoughts.
Best,
Wilsondog
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