Unidentified Metal Figurine
This is a metal figurine that was in my grandfather's estate, along with valuable collectible items. However we are not sure if this item has any value or not. A jewelry appraiser confirmed that it was NOT made of gold, but was unable to provide more information. It is about 4.5 inches tall by 4 inches wide and weighs 85 grams. It does not seem to have any distinguishing marks on it.
A curiosity from my grandfather's estate. We do not know where he got it from, though he did spend a lot of time in Central America and South America.
Inherited
Maybe
Thank you for submitting your item for appraisal. This appears to be an Aztec lost wax cast ornament, most likely a copper / gold alloy which was then depletion gilded. Judging from the images you provided there should be a thin layer of gold on the alloy. You could have it XRF tested to determin the various metals in the alloy. There have been a number of publications on Aztec metallurgy in the recent past which should enable you to determin the authenticity. There are museum reproductions around, but those don´t show corrosion and defects. If you can provide the necessary paperwork regarding the laws of cultural protection I would see the value as listed above. If not, the value would be zero. There is no measurement for the sentimental value you might attach to the item.
