Topic: Brass menagerie.

[keith]

Any body got an idea of date for this strange world of brassy critters?

[Tigerchips]

No idea but very nostalgic. Similar items on here...
http://mrpeacockstyle.blogspot.com/2009/02/shoe-flyvintage-brass-ashtrays.html
http://www.etsy.com/listing/76396586/reserved-for-henrystozek-vintage-pair

Doing a quick Google the fly ashtrays are either Italian or Indian. The crocodile appears to be a nut cracker. The monkey if it has a compartment at the back could be a match holder like this one (that is, presuming that this listing is correct)... http://www.theantiquetrade.co.uk/vintage-hot-cast-brass-monkey-w-pariba-match-holder-2518-p.asp

[keith]

Thanks TC,thought the donkey may have been a bottle opener ,have a good Christmas?

[Tigerchips]

Yeah i did, just glad it's all over though. Don't get me wrong, i really like Christmas, but it's a bit stressful for me at times. Especially when my parents are arguing over how long they should put the meat in the oven for. It always come out burnt every Christmas anyway.

[keith]

Just added to the collection,any ideas on what it was for,it has a small bar inside at the back?

[Tigerchips]

Rings and things? Some kind of jewellery holder perhaps? Not sure what the bar is for though.

[Anne]

Things with mouths are often for holding scourers and suchlike, but I've not seen a brass one of those... could it be some sort of ash tray or pipe holder thingie?

[keith]

Thought about that Anne,but there's no lip to rest on,the dealer didn't have a clue either,someone out there must know,

[Anne]

Still no clue as to its use, but here is a fascinating page about how one foundry makes these:
http://www.kansasbrass.com/kbf-pages/FishCore.php

[antiquerose123]

Just Whale Decor??  Older Brass where the inside was not finished off?  I have seen something like this where there were pieces of brass unfinished inside before.

Alligator:

~ Shoe Horn
~ Nut cracker


See here:  http://www.ebay.com/bhp/brass-alligator-nut-cracker