Featured Any idea what this little Egyptian figure is?

Discussion in 'Antique Discussion' started by vintagerobin, Jan 1, 2021.

  1. vintagerobin

    vintagerobin Well-Known Member

    One more item from an auction lot.

    His headdress unscrews. It doesn't look water tight so it probably isn't for perfume. And my first thought was needle case, but I think it's too short.

    Any help is greatly appreciated.

    IMG_0814.JPG IMG_0816.JPG
     
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  2. i need help

    i need help Moderator Moderator

    There’s writing on the screw top part.
     
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  3. vintagerobin

    vintagerobin Well-Known Member

    You're right. I thought it was just a design.

    It looks like it says METAL.

    IMG_0850.JPG
     
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  4. Roaring20s

    Roaring20s Well-Known Member

    Last edited: Jan 1, 2021
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  5. johnnycb09

    johnnycb09 Well-Known Member

    Does that button on the top go down when you push on it ?
     
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  6. vintagerobin

    vintagerobin Well-Known Member

    It does push down! Good eyes there guys.

    And the way it's formed it does look like it releases something.

    IMG_0859.JPG
     
  7. vintagerobin

    vintagerobin Well-Known Member

    It's also a thick enamel on top. It's too strong a spring to use it for perfume.

    I also think it may have had a cap covering the plunger.
     
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  8. patd8643

    patd8643 Well-Known Member

    How tall is it?
     
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  9. vintagerobin

    vintagerobin Well-Known Member


    Only 2".
     
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  10. Roaring20s

    Roaring20s Well-Known Member

    Just thinking aloud...

    The button probably has not been engaged in decades. It's possible that it just needs to be soaked to dissolve whatever passed through it.

    Guessing it held an essential oil, and if the button worked easily, you could dab it on and rub it around.

    And yes, a cap would be useful and it looks as if it could have had one.

    James.
     
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  11. johnnycb09

    johnnycb09 Well-Known Member

    It might just be as 20's said,just something to whiff when the streets were pungent .
     
  12. komokwa

    komokwa The Truth is out there...!

    a little dab'll, do ya !!!!!!!!!
     
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  13. Ownedbybear

    Ownedbybear Well-Known Member

    Flower oils are wildly popular in Egypt, I still have some from a few years back.
     
  14. vintagerobin

    vintagerobin Well-Known Member

    I've been doing image searches and I see a lot of similar figures but they're mechanical pencils and one was even a lipstick holder.

    But they're all similar gilt brass with enamel.

    I may just list it as a vanity or desk accessory, being deliberately vague about it's use.
     
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  15. patd8643

    patd8643 Well-Known Member

    It seems too small for most desk accessories. I think OBB is onto something with essential oils.
     
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  16. Ownedbybear

    Ownedbybear Well-Known Member

    I suspect it was sold holding something like rose oil. A nice older tourist piece.
     
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