metal bird

[seeker1979]

Hello, I could use some help identifying a small metal bird I found while metal detecting. The bird was found in Kentucky on land where a cabin was built in 1817. The weight is 4 3/4 oz it is 2 " tall and 4" in length. Not sure what the metal is, the feathers appear to be stamped but the sides of the bird appears to be shaped by hand. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you Shannon

 

[d-2]

I aint got a clue but that is one of the neater finds I have seen in a long time...d2

 

[seeker1979]

Thank you, I thought so to. its heavy for its size, I have no clue what metal it is or how to clean it. I am very new to this, and very excited to figure out what it is.

 

[osgood]

does it stand well? Could it be a paper weight? CO

 

[GoGoGopher]

I was thinking Paper weight also...

HH,

 

[seeker1979]

any ideas on how to clean it. The picture makes it look a brassy color, but in reality its a dark brown color.

 

[407floyd]

It must be brass. If it's dark colored, than it may have a desirable patina to collectors. I haven't found a brass bird on the web that looks as nice as this one. Don't use a brass cleaner because it might have taken 100 years to achieve that patina that you will never be able to get back once it's gone. Mineral oil will clean it without ruining the patina.

 

[acasto]

I have something similar to that , only hand carved out of wood.
Mine is a letter opener.

 

[taz42o]

This brass cat I dug has turned brown under the green. Red brass and bronze both can turn brown.
I agree with not cleaning. Maybe my cat was chasing your bird when they got lost.

 

[OCDfinder]

Look at those feet! Mom's got a metal bird now I'll find out why.