Bust of a Roman Soldier? - SOLVED

[JimInPhilly]

Dug this whatsit the other day. Made of Copper or brass. About the size of a US Half dollar.
There are no markings on the reverse, its just flat.
Whats strange about the bust is that there looks to be a sort of lizard on top of the helmet, you can see its tail in the rear and its head at the front above the visor.I think that may give a clue to who this soldier is.. Maybe a Greek or Roman God?.

HMMM!

Jim

 

[trikikiwi]

Re: Bust of a Roman Soldier?

That is so cool!
I don't know what and why it is,
but my immediate thought on the lizard is, it's a chameleon.

Mike

 

[Felinepeachy]

Re: Bust of a Roman Soldier?

Is there anything on the reverse?

 

[CRUSADER]

Re: Bust of a Roman Soldier?

All I can add is its a Dragoon on the head & the head doesn't look Roman.

 

[Old Dog]

Re: Bust of a Roman Soldier?

I was going to say it looks greek but ....
I don't know anyrhing about ancient stuff.

Crusader knows more.

Thom

 

[chipveres]

Re: Bust of a Roman Soldier?

I think Crusader has an excellent suggestion, and it's a Dragoon. According to dictionary.com , the word came into use between 1615 and 1625. So we should be looking for a coin / medal / insignia made since then.

Chip V.

 

[PBK]

Re: Bust of a Roman Soldier?

It appears to depict the Roman goddess of war, Minerva, who is often shown wearing a helmet. Usually, there is a dragon atop the helmet, as in this case, although some are so stylized that you really can't tell what they are. Images from classical mythology were quite popular in the mid to late 19th century, and Minerva seems to have been a special favorite. For example, here's a link to a page of Minerva buttons:

http://www.iwantbuttons.com/trays/WRBA/2003/image40.htm

 

[Kiros32]

Re: Bust of a Roman Soldier?

Check out the link that PBK posted...left side labeled "White Metal." That seems to match the design of yours perfectly.

 

[JimInPhilly]

Re: Bust of a Roman Soldier?

You guys are the best! Thanks for the info.

Check out the link that PBK posted...left side labeled "White Metal." That seems to match the design of yours perfectly.

That is a direct match ,Kiros..

Thanks PBK

jim

 

[PBK]

Re: Bust of a Roman Soldier?

Neat find, Jim... glad we could help!