So I dug an Indian Head today...but this aint no coin!! Help me I.D. this thing!

[matt092079]

So I dug an Indian Head today...but this ain't no coin!! Help me I.D. this thing!

I went out after work today, once again to the farm in Winchester, VA. Less than 5 minutes into my hunt, right along a tree line I get one of those good signals that sound just like a cw bullet. So of course, I dig the hole and pop the plug over and grab my pro-pointer. Locate it instantly and notice it's not a bullet. Looked like a big hunk of iron until I turned it around and it was STARING back at me!! This thing looks so cool and the pictures just can not do it justice. Now the only thing is...I have no clue what it is, was or what it is from. I know there are quite a few experts here and have probably seen these dug many times. Any I.D. help would be AWESOME! Thanks guys and gals and happy hunting!

 

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[deepsecrets]

Matt - also think this might be a hood ornament - the headdress appears to be missing, maybe corroded off around the head? Is it like zinc or potmetal? Oshkosh had something similar on their trucks/tractors. Old Pontiacs used Indian head motifs but have not found anything close to yours. Cool find!

 

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[matt092079]

I'm not sure of the metal type, Luke. It is heavy though.

 

[VOL1266-X]

Whatever it is Matt, I like it. WTG, Quindy.

 

[cudamark]

Talon, this is actually what I believed it to be when I first dug it. Looks to have went on the end of something like a cane or something similar.

I've just never seen a cane head made of lead. Usually brass, sometimes silver, gold, chrome plated, or other non-metallics like ivory or bone. It's usually very smooth on top so your hand doesn't get blisters. Same thing on a motorcycle, too heavy and unnecessary. I'm thinking a top to a statue of some sort.

 

[matt092079]

I've just never seen a cane head made of lead. Usually brass, sometimes silver, gold, chrome plated, or other non-metallics like ivory or bone. It's usually very smooth on top so your hand doesn't get blisters. Same thing on a motorcycle, too heavy and unnecessary. I'm thinking a top to a statue of some sort.

True. With no markings...we may never know. It's almost too broad of a figure to pinpoint. Considering native american art is pretty popular.

 

[mjc_lakedweller]

I believe it is Chief Pontiac from a car hood or radiator cap. Still a very nice find.

 

[matt092079]

After some cleaning some gold plating has revealed itself. I have actually never held, or seen a pontiac radiator cap/ornament and can not find any online or any found metal detecting at all on google that resemble what I have...other than that it's a native american bust. I think you actually have to hold this piece and you would realize it feels more like a piece to a small statue of some sort...for it's small size, it is really heavy.

 

[deepsecrets]

Matt - just a thought, might be the top from an old tobacco jar? Something along the lines of this perhaps?

 

[ScribbleMuse]

Or maybe could it be part of a beer tap? I found a couple "head" figured taps that didn't match exactly, but maybe just because I'm in WI, it makes me think of the tons of brewery antique sections I pass through antique stores.