Featured What is this (bronze?) Griffin thingy?

Hi guys....bought this many years ago in an antique store...seems like cast iron... about 7 inches tall.

What intrigues me most...is that it appears to have been screwed onto something...my (very uneducated) guess is armoire or something like that...must have been impressive whatever it was...maybe part of a doorstop?

Anyway...my friend, Google has not helped.

Respectfully,

Mark

 

I should mention...in case it can't be seen on the photo...it has screw holes (?) In one front and one back foot...and it's mouth opening is cylindrical...as if there was a ring or something in there.

I love it regardless...just curious and might want to own the full package.

 

See if a magnet sticks to it for cast iron.

 

Ahh...smart! (Magnet suggestion). No stick... possibly bronze then?

 

Changed the title to eliminate mention of cast iron.... assumptions really are dangerous : )

 

It could be cast spelter. Is that white spot on the wing facing us a paint splotch or a place where the "bronze" has flaked off?

 

It looks like something flaked off...

 

After the recent post...and some research...seems it may indeed be spelter?

 

Underlying spelter metal may be white/silver/gray. As I understand spelter is a brittle metal at cooler temps so I'm sure this piece was not used where a force may be applied to it. So probably screwed to some type of base as a decorative piece. Who knows exactly what went through the ring in its mouth though............

 

A clock topper?

 

Could it have hung a lantern from the mouth and been mounted on a newel post?

 

Re . Lantern hanger.... possibly.

I have looked through hundreds of 'similar' Google photos...and nothing...

Getting even more curious.

 

Hood ornament?

 

Searching on and off since this was posted, I observed this creature is mostly depicted with paws, and fewer with talons. This one has hooves.

Also, a possible mantel clock adornment.

What is the crest on its chest?

 

that paint reminds me of gold radiator paint.....

 

Here is the crest....and an additional side picture.

I see no other identifying marks...

The clock thing makes sense too...man I'd love to have a clock with these on it!

 

here's one in wood https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/4499217_478-amer-vict-bodied-carved-oak-winged-griffin-newel

 

But….worth noting…toes not hooves….

Realizing …since roaring20s mentioned …not seeing them with hooves…mostly toes…or…if bird head, talons.

 

He is fabulous! Great piece to own

 

Indeed KSW, I have always displayed him…thought once or twice about repainting him…but then thought I’d better not.

I know I keep mentioning….but whatever he was part of must have been magnificent!