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.
Old, ornate Genie oil lamp? Or again, old incense burner that may have been used during a religious celebration?
The shape seems wrong for a senser so I'm thinking an oil lamp.
Do you think it is possibly pewter? Is it magnetic?
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.
Very unique piece what ever it's purpose. !
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!
Jem I know pewter isn't magnetic...just asking to see if it was made from an iron alloy.
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 :-)
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.
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.
1890 and onwards for McKinley Tariff Act.
Maybe borrow someones metal detector and see what kind of reading it gives.
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?
Yes, the "MADE IN ITALY" mark.