help figuring this antique out...

[birdfan]

Hi...I am new here. My father passed away a few years ago and I now have these bird figures from him, they used to be my Grandmother's. There are two of them, both gold birds. Very very heavy. No markings indicating the manufacturer.  Any ideas?

[KC]

Can you give some dimensions?

Is it brass? and painted?

[gg27]

Looks a bit like copper or possibly bronze if they are very heavy.   But I too would like dimensions & possibly some more information.  Location & any other info you might have.  GG

[birdfan]

Thank you for the reply.  I will take dimensions tonight when I get home from work.  I am really bad with this, but the blue coloring (the other one is red, like a cardinal) looks like it could be painted.  I will also weigh it, because they are very heavy.  I just remember my Dad telling me they were very expensive, I thought he said they were from Tiffany's....but I am not sure he knew what he was talking about.  Will get more information and post again.  Thanks.

[frogpatch]

I would call it Garden Art. I really like it. It would attract a large amount of interest if you wanted to sell it. I say "it" because I only see the one. Folk Art decorators would use it inside and landscape decorators would use it also. I could think of many places where it would grab attention. If it were mine It would be displayed on my sunporch and be a focal point.

[gg27]

Thank you for the reply.  I will take dimensions tonight when I get home from work.  I am really bad with this, but the blue coloring (the other one is red, like a cardinal) looks like it could be painted.  I will also weigh it, because they are very heavy.  I just remember my Dad telling me they were very expensive, I thought he said they were from Tiffany's....but I am not sure he knew what he was talking about.  Will get more information and post again.  Thanks.

Have you checked on the base for a mark from Tiffanys?  They could be cold painted bronze if they are.  More info & maybe some close up photos of the base would be helpful.  GG

[birdfan]

Hi. I measured and they are both 1ft x 1 ft. I did find a signature, so excited because I missed it before. It reads on both J F TRUBAC. I have also attached more pictures.  Thanks for the help!

[Ipcress]

Image of the signature would be nice. The name doesn't exist.

[birdfan]

Signature

[mart]

Mmmm,, I couldn`t find it either !!  Have you checked both of them ?? Are they the same sig. ?  Any other writing ??

[KC]

Am I seeing that correctly...the B is backwards? and upside down?

[birdfan]

I know..curious and slightly frustrated.  My Grandmother most likely got it between 1940-1980...

[mart]

That's what it looks like to me KC !! I didn`t find anything with that description either !!

[cogar]

You are right, KC, there is something strange about that “mark”.

It appears to be a “J”, … then an “FTRU”,  … then a “symbol” …. and then an “AC”.

Me thinks the "J" might be the "initial" of the artist since it is not in line with the other letters.

And with all capital letters it might be like an "EAPG" (early american etc.) or "U" for union or university, etc. .... just guessing.

[birdfan]

Thanks everyone for the help with this mystery. For now the origin is unknown but they look great on the mantle.  I am going to post another treasure from dear old Dad/Grandma!