Age, Origin and Mark on Bronze Griffin?

Any thoughts on the age, origin and possible maker of this gilt-bronze griffin?

It appears to be marked at the rear foot as seen in the last two images.

Size approx: 5 in.

Thank you!

 

I was researching "Medieval Marks" and the mark above reminds me of one of these...

 

So, no thoughts at all?

Fair enough...

 

It appears to be rather poorly modelled and cast and finished.

If the screw you removed from the base to show the underside was machine cut, that would rule out any great age, at least in that form.

 

I know nothing about this... but think it is cute.

 

Thanks AF and Fig.

The item wasn't found with a base nor screws. That small wooden piece at rear was just placed there to prop-up the figure and is not original to the item. The finish is very rough and covered with dirt as if it was excavated. I don't think this piece is very old, but I also don't believe it's modern either.

So do you think this item may have been machine cut?

 

Machine cut refers to screws or a screw that I assumed held the back base. If there is no original fastening, why is there a neatly drilled hole?

There appears to be another hole between the front feet, less precise.

The only thing that springs to mind with this configuration is an old motor hood (or bonnet) ornament. In the 1920s these were not only the 'official' makers devices, but pretty well anything anyone wanted to make and attach.

I can't offhand find a Griffin, Griffon or Gryphon car maker, but who knows.

 

It does look wind blown -- that is one of the things that attracts me. So maybe it does have something to do with automobiles?

 

You guys are awesome! I would have never thought to research hood ornaments/mascots.

Thanks for the linked info. I'll dig and see what I can find. Thanks!

 

Looks like plated cast iron to me-surface not as smooth as cast bronze ornamentation usually is, colors don't look like bronze patination, and grinding-wheel finishing marks on base look like what a motorized grinding wheel does to cast iron. Pls let us know if a magnet attracts the item.

 

Thanks for your reply and thoughts, Spring.

A magnet does not stick to this piece. I also think it's gilt brass and not bronze after a much more closer look.