Can anyone tell me anything about this little brass crocodile???

[turtlefoot13]

Found this an a local estate sale and I don't know a thing about it. I don't think it is old, but I don't know for sure. It sort of looks like it is stylized after a character or diety or something. I forgot to put in anything for a size reference. It is around 3" long. I will get exact measurements later as I don't have a ruler handy.

Thank you for looking and I appreciate all answers.

Doug

[Breezie]

I think it has an Asian look, perhaps from Thailand. It maybe some type of 'good luck' piece. Is this brass or painted to look like brass? Breezie

[duggap]

This is just a wild guess, but looking at the blunt nose on it, I was wondering if it is a smoking pipe tamp.

[jeff of pa]

Actually I'm not convinced it's a Gator or Croc

[Breezie]

Here ya go: (3rd row of pics, not exact, but very close)

http://www.beadparadise.com/oberlin_...ist/ghana/20/1

Breezie

[jewelerguy]

maybe it's a gold idol from an ancient tomb. it's wearing a cool hat

[digging wv]

looks to be a gharial. A crocodilian species from India. It has that same odd looking nose. As far as the piece though......?

[turtlefoot13]

Thanks for all of the replies everyone! Breezie - it is not painted. It is brass or bronze as best as I can tell. Thank you for the link. It is very close.

I am not going to green check this one yet, as I am in hopes of getting a bit more info on it, but I am guessing it is a modern "tourist" type item.

Thanks again!
Doug

[jeff of pa]

Closest I can come up with is

Akan/ Baule Brass from Africa



http://www.africadirect.com/productsdesc.php?ID=56823

But again, I don't think it's supposed to be a
Gator or Croc.

[turtlefoot13]

Any ideas as to what it might be if not a croc or gator?

[ivan salis]

india and indonesia * are both well known - brass / bronze salt water croc (sea dragons ) makers --the dutch used to cast bronze cannons in the old sailing days (1600 /1800 era) in what is now indonesia with these types of creatures built into the cannons design to hold the tie down ropes --the brits did the same in india --both are still known for making brass trinket type items like this


might be a ring holder -- ring slips over the crocs nose --thus the upward point on the nose.

or maybe a pipe ash tamper -due to flat end of nose. --see if the end smells of tobbaco .