Need Help Identifying Silver Dragon

[Marc-Barr]

Here is another item I list under, 'What The Hell Is This?' I see no marking at all on back. It's silver but I do not see the Sterling name or 925. It is slightly tarnished and the only thing I see on the back is the number 3. Stands about 2 1/2 inches high.Very detailed,but no clue as to what it is. Any advice or suggestion are welcome. Thanks everyone!

[Marc-Barr]

Couple more pics

[Marc-Barr]

Last two. Any thoughts?

[mariok54]

Hi,
Does the bottom unscrew at all? Interesting that it's stamped with a three. any chance of a clearer photo of the 'bib'?
Fuzzy images but are they hallmarks?

[Marc-Barr]

Nope. Sorry,it does not unscrew. My camera is literally on it's last legs.I will try again to see if I can get some clearer pictures,but I am doubtful. Thanks again!

[fancypants]

A curious item , M-B .

The base of your item almost appears as if it was designed as a 'locking' lid or cap for a container of some type (urn , automotive radiator , etc.) to me .

[hosman321]

That would be one awesome radiator cap/hood ornament, in my opinion!

[greenacres]

Is it a finial?

[Marc-Barr]

Its funny because because it looks like some kind of key you see in an action or fantasy movie that reveals a secret passage or opens a door. My guess it is part of something,meaning there is more to the piece out there. I'd list it but I have no idea what to call it. I guess if it worse comes to worse it could be used as a coat rack or hook of some sort. Thanks for the suggestions!

[waywardangler]

Could be a radiator cap as fancypants suggested.  That 'key' sure looks like it fits on something pressurized.  Here is a 1938 demon radiator cap so a dragon would not be farfetched.

[mariok54]

he underside certainly looks as if it should either unscrew or fit like a bayonette, but it is hard to tell from the photos. Here are a few lovely examples of car mascots that I found when searching for my 'little cat'   

http://www.finesse-fine-art.com/Mascots/Mascots11-20.htm

[sapphire]

While the dragon would appear to be more in line with a hood ornament, I have seen that exact same 'lock' mechanism on the lid handle of a very large silver warming dish that was in our family.  While a hood ornament would seem to need something more 'fixed' the recessed area around the 'lock' definitely appears to fit down and over some sort of receptacle.  Curiouser and curiouser!!

[KC]

My first inclination was for a car as well...but agree that it is for something else.  The cap mechanism doesn't appear "deep" enough for a radiator top.

The one thing I know is that dragon items get harder and harder to identify unless they have precise markings.  The Asian countries keep spitting out more and more dragon items with "fool you" precision on antique items that I barely will attest to the true value of an item without sight/touch unseen...and even then am leary at times!

I believe this is what someone else referred to earlier about the top to a large serving dish.  I also believe that it is more likely for an item like this....

http://www.silverperfect.com/Inventory/coin%20silver/grmmedtureendetail.htm

But believe it is more in line with an item like this


Has it been established that it is silver?

[hosman321]

Also, did they even use silver for hood ornaments or radiator caps? Seems like they were all chrome or nickel plated. It does seem the style of a warming dish or other dining centerpiece. Especially if it's silver. Looks late victorian to me, or up to 1920-ish.

[olecanalantiques]

Actually they didn't, you are correct, everything was chrome and nickel back then.. We been restoring old cars for 40 years i know a little summin, summin about cars 

Here's the last one we restored