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I've got no idea...please help

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    Posted 9 years ago

    brad1970
    (1 item)

    I recently found this in a rubbish pile while helping a mate clean up an old house here in Jarrahdale, Western Australia. I am clueless when it comes to this sort of thing. I thought it was pewter at first but I think it's actually silver. The only identification marks I found was "MADE IN ITALY", embossed not stamped, inside on the bottom of the bowl which is barely legible due to what looks like very heavy calcification, most of the jug/pitcher/pourer??? has the same damage. It is totally covered in floral designs and patterns and the handle looks almost like a reptile of some kind, there are what look like scales etched all the way along the handle. I did think it was a bird at first though. The lid was intact when I found it but seized. I didn't realise how fragile it was when i picked it up and it broke with the lightest pressure, it is quite thin in that area. I was devastated when it broke and i still am. It's quite small at 70mm high and 70mm wide with the handle at 100mm high. I hope the photos I've taken are good enough for someone to help me identify it. Any help will be appreciated.

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    Comments

    1. Gillian, 9 years ago
      Old, ornate Genie oil lamp? Or again, old incense burner that may have been used during a religious celebration?
    2. racer4four racer4four, 9 years ago
      The shape seems wrong for a senser so I'm thinking an oil lamp.
      Do you think it is possibly pewter? Is it magnetic?
    3. brad1970 brad1970, 9 years ago
      Cheers for the feedback guys. From what I've seen online it looks very similar to antique milk/cream pourers. I thought it was pewter but where the lid broke away you can see the metal is definitely very bright silver in colour, though for all I know pewter is that colour underneath the darker surface. Like I said, I am clueless when it comes to this stuff. It isn't magnetic either mate. Thanks again guys.
    4. Manikin Manikin, 9 years ago
      Very unique piece what ever it's purpose. !
    5. GeodeJem GeodeJem, 9 years ago
      Rub three times and ask the Genie to appear then you have three wishes. The first should be...Please stop people answering my posts with silly replies!
    6. racer4four racer4four, 9 years ago
      Jem I know pewter isn't magnetic...just asking to see if it was made from an iron alloy.
    7. kyratango kyratango, 9 years ago
      AuntMolly, I don't think antiques (more than 100 years old!) were marked "made in Italy"!
      Lol
      Brad1970, your oil lamp shaped is very decorative and must be a nice conversation piece :-)
    8. Efesgirl Efesgirl, 9 years ago
      Silver doesn't normally acquire a green tinge, even if it has been buried for a long time. Best to take it somewhere and have the oil lamp tested to see if it is made from a precious metal.
    9. brad1970 brad1970, 9 years ago
      You're right kyratango, no antique would be marked with "MADE IN ITALY" and it also has a casting mark straight down the middle from front to back. I think it's been buried or sitting on the bottom of a fish tank for some time making it seem aged.
    10. tigerchips tigerchips, 9 years ago
      1890 and onwards for McKinley Tariff Act.
    11. tigerchips tigerchips, 9 years ago
      Maybe borrow someones metal detector and see what kind of reading it gives.
    12. brad1970 brad1970, 9 years ago
      Hey Tiger, when you say 1890 and onwards for McKinley Tariff Act, are you talking about the "MADE IN ITALY" stamp? What does everyone make of the cast markings running down the middle, front to back of the piece, could it still be old having been cast moulded?
    13. tigerchips tigerchips, 9 years ago
      Yes, the "MADE IN ITALY" mark.

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