Does my elephant go to the graveyard?

[Lost&Found]

At the TS today I picked up a solid copper elephant that weighs about 6 1/2 lbs. 12" x 9". It cost $10. The only problem is that it's tusks have broken off. They look like they were plastic. Initially I thought I would scrap it but it has a nice patina and green oxidation where some of the finish was scratched. Should I repair it using bone for tusks and then resell it?



This is the only makers mark(?) I can find on it.

 

[billn1956]

If you can do a good job on the repair,it would be good money.I think it could be a sleeper.

 

[OWK]

If that elephant is a copper sculpture, I'd bet money that the tusks were ivory and not plastic.

(you can tell pretty easily by pressing them against your teeth... harder is more likely ivory)

It looks like a nice piece.

 

[Lost&Found]

Billn1956, I think your right that it might be a sleeper. Owk, I agree.

After, looking at 100's of bronze and copper elephant images it looks like it is an Asian elephant and could have been made in Japan, pre WWII.

The images of Meiji bronze elephants are very similar. I have to look closer to see if I can find any other markings.

Some examples:

Superb Meiji Period Japanese Bronze Elephant from dynastycollections on Ruby Lane

Antique Japanese Meiji Period Bronze Elephant Figure | eBay

 

[mojjax]

Trunk Up means '' good luck " Very nice find !

 

[steif]

I think I would have it looked at by an expert... or just take it to the pawn stars... they will call one in for you..lol. just kidding about that, but I would have it looked at by someone knowledgable, and dont do anything to it at all before you do. if it happens to be a really good item, it might be worth having a conservator repair all of it. or just sell it as is.

 

[tamrock]

I think ya got a goody there. Looks like it could do well as-is.

 

[diggummup]

I think ya got a goody there. Looks like it could do well as-is.

I think so too, just don't try cleaning it up at all.

PS- If you have the skills to repair the tusks then I say do it. Myself, I wouldn't even attempt it. I know I would just screw it up. I also believe that it had ivory tusks as well. Looks like they got poached.