What is this? I need help!

[VaMike]

My buddy found this in the Shenandoah River in Port Republic, VA. He has been to the local University for help to identify this and they had no idea. If anyone can help me it would be greatly appreciated. We think it is brass/copper according to the people at the University.

 

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[gobblesandgrunts]

Wow, following!

 

[Kray Gelder]

 

[gobblesandgrunts]

What's the other side look like?

 

[Greastart]

My guess is light fixture sconce.

Galenrog, let's go get some coffee!

 

[Rookster]

It has bolt or screw holes. So it was probably attached to something. My guess is it may had been attached to a monument or outdoor fixture of some sort because of it being brass or bronze, copper whatever. It’s one of those “ whatisit “ that’s kinda hard to figure out. Sorry I wasn’t much help.

 

[bowwinkles]

ornament from the top front of a boat or canoe.

 

[creskol]

For some reason, it reminds me of an old hood plate that an ornament was mounted to for one of the more obscure antique cars like an old Nash or DeSoto.

 

[ARC]

Can I get a picture of the backside and a size reference.

 

[bowwinkles]

No luck here but close. https://www.google.com/search?q=vin...mAhVFHs0KHTsvB0EQ7Al6BAgKEDM&biw=1243&bih=538

 

[jeff of pa]

moved to "What is it"

 

[ANTIQUARIAN]

As others here have already mentioned, a pic of the reverse side and the dimensions would be helpful.
Based on the incised lines, I'm thinking it's from the Art Deco Period.
Dave

"Art Deco, also called style moderne, movement in the decorative arts and architecture that originated in the 1920s and developed into a major style in western Europe and the United States during the 1930s. Art Deco, sometimes referred to as Deco, is a style of visual arts, architecture and design that first appeared in France just before World War I. Art Deco influenced the design of buildings, furniture, jewellery, fashion, cars, movie theaters, trains, ocean liners, and everyday objects such as radios and vacuum cleaners."

 

[Doubter in MD]

Can I get a picture of the backside and a size reference.

Your wish is my command.



I'm not sure if it will help with an ID though.

 

[RW]

I am feeling early 1940's Dodge/Plymouth front hood/grill...

 

[invent4hir]

What a fascinating discovery! If there is no makers mark on the underside here are a few thoughts:

The artifact appears big, thick and heavy. Until a size reference is provided, I scaled the artifact based on the floor plank assumed to be 6”. That makes the artifact about 32” as shown in the first picture. Looking close at the holes along the periphery, they appear to be beveled (for recessed screws) and the metal appears thick. Combining the size and thickness, it is probably fairly heavy, probably too much for a car or semi hood.

As Dave pointed out it has an Art Deco feel. The lines making “V” shapes look uneven to me. I realize the lines on the outsider V are meant to diverge, but even those on the inside seem a bit wavy — like they were hand engraved. Considering this, perhaps this artifact was part of a bigger statue or art sculpture. I’d send pictures to some art museums or a state historical office to see if they can ID.

Given that it was found in the Shenandoah River I also pondered a ship figurehead, but those are mainly of a person-like or animal figure and project away from the front of the ship. This artifact is designed to hug whatever it was attached to. Plus I’m not sure the river at Port Republic, VA. is navigable by a large ship.

Good luck!

 

[invent4hir]

For those who are trying to ID a hood ornament, there are several links on this website that might help.

 

[DCMatt]

I agree that the decorations are art deco (ish).

Maybe a part off a parlor stove?



I don't think it is boat related. People "got rid" of stuff by throwing it in the river for many years.

Also, IMO, it is not a hood ornament of car part. I've owned and restored antique cars since the 70's and never seen anything like that.

 

[civil_war22]

I agree that the decorations are art deco (ish).

Maybe a part off a parlor stove?

View attachment 1786508

I don't think it is boat related. People "got rid" of stuff by throwing it in the river for many years.

Also, IMO, it is not a hood ornament of car part. I've owned and restored antique cars since the 70's and never seen anything like that.

I can second that with DCmatt. I’ve never in all my years of restoring: cars, motorcycles, vintage dirt bikes, and atvs have I ever seen that on a automobile, and I’ve seen about every piece of car part known to man, especially the odd ball ones that stand out to me because they don’t and usually aren’t factory. It does look hand tooled, as far as the lines. If it didn’t have some sort of gold or brass guilt to it I’d be surprised. Most early pieces have a form of plating on them whether it’s silver, gold or brass colored. I’ve been trying to research this piece, by even writing out the description. I can’t remember if you put the dimensions on here.

 

[invent4hir]

Help us help you. Please post a picture of the underside w/ size reference or measurements + pictures of all 4 sides. While I agree this could very well be something someone else "got rid of", it is still an interesting artifact, so you might consider showing the pictures to the Port Republic Museum to see if they know what it is or can point you to someone who might. Just depends how much time you want to spend running this to ground.

 

[Machkin]

The item appears to sitting on a Suncast 22-Gallon Small Deck Box https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0044V3UFS/ref=sbl_dpx_B07FCRQ79Q_0?th=1
The dimensions of the deck box are: Outside Dimensions: 22.5″ wide x 22.75″ high x 17.5″ deep