GOLD TREE
I can’t say I found this metal detecting, but I DID find it today at a local estate sale. The item is a tree–shaped object with acorns and leaves. Although it’s been chemically or otherwise darkened, if you rub the metal with a bit of silver polish, it becomes bright gold in color. That fact, plus the sheer weight of the object led me to believe that it just might be gold or gold vermeil. Sure enough, after testing it, it turned out to be 22 carat (to my amazement!)(P.S.--the lightened areas were already there as found--I chose not to polish the piece, but to leave it as original as possible)
At the base of the tree is a small gold plaque announcing a couple’s fiftieth anniversary along with a list of their children. It is dated 1865. In my many years as an antiques collector, I have never seen anything like this item!
An internet search came up empty also.
If you have seen one of these “trees” or know of the purpose or use of it, PLEASE let me know – I would LOVE to find out something about it.
P.P.S.--On the underneath sides of the branches are small holes--possibly put there for casting, or...possibly to attach something to it--another mystery!!!
Thanks! Jack.
I can’t say I found this metal detecting, but I DID find it today at a local estate sale. The item is a tree–shaped object with acorns and leaves. Although it’s been chemically or otherwise darkened, if you rub the metal with a bit of silver polish, it becomes bright gold in color. That fact, plus the sheer weight of the object led me to believe that it just might be gold or gold vermeil. Sure enough, after testing it, it turned out to be 22 carat (to my amazement!)(P.S.--the lightened areas were already there as found--I chose not to polish the piece, but to leave it as original as possible)
At the base of the tree is a small gold plaque announcing a couple’s fiftieth anniversary along with a list of their children. It is dated 1865. In my many years as an antiques collector, I have never seen anything like this item!
An internet search came up empty also.
If you have seen one of these “trees” or know of the purpose or use of it, PLEASE let me know – I would LOVE to find out something about it.
P.P.S.--On the underneath sides of the branches are small holes--possibly put there for casting, or...possibly to attach something to it--another mystery!!!
Thanks! Jack.
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