Steel Indian Head Thingy

99Brown

Bronze Member
Feb 5, 2006
1,070
13
Illinois
Found this a few years back. About 1.5-2 inches in size. Has a hollow hole runnning through it. It seems to be made of steel. Not sure what it is used for. Originally I thought maybe a pipe bowl. But I don't think that is it. Any ideas?

Thanks

99Brown :)
 

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I can see why you thought it might be a pipe bowl. Based on your picture, that was my first guess, too. But I suppose steel doesn't make sense if that were the case. You sure it's steel? I would think a steel item like that would just be a rustball when you dug it. Does it stick to a magnet?

Pewter would be my guess.

Looks like it was an ornament off something, but what? Hmm.

Cool find!
 

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Lordmarcovan~

Thanks for the reply. It is not magnetic. No markings on it at all. I did notice it is not real heavy either. No idea at this point. Thanks

99Brown
 

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I'd bet the metal is what is called "pot metal" which is some kind of zinc alloy that was used to make lamps, toys, etc. I'd bet the hole through it was because it used to be fastened to a cast iron stove or some such as an ornament. I have a stove in the cellar that has ornamental acorns in the four corners where threaded rods come up through the flat cast-iron top.
 

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I thought hood ornament too, but I researched all of the old Pontiac hood ornaments as well as Indian motorcycle ornaments... nothing, sorry. I tend to agree with Charlie that it may be "pot metal" or "white metal", the weight would be a good indicator... pot metal is maybe 1/2 the weight of steel. A nice find regardless. I hope we find out more.
 

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