Rudd Posted May 16, 2018 Share Posted May 16, 2018 This little bronze tortoise was brought to Australia by my Grandfather Edwin Gibbins Rudd in 1883. HIs father Thomas was a cutler, also his brother Charlie. Does anyone know why it had holes on top? I saw domething similar on the AntiquesRoadshow and it had a bird on its back. Were they common desk ornaments in Sheffield? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neddy Posted May 16, 2018 Share Posted May 16, 2018 Depending on how little, a possible Netsuke, holes for a string. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin Ede Posted May 16, 2018 Share Posted May 16, 2018 Could be an incense burner? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rudd Posted May 17, 2018 Author Share Posted May 17, 2018 Good guesses but the holes seem too small to hold a pen. Maybe incense but was that a fashion in 1886? The holes do not go right through for string. And what about the ibis or stork I saw standing on the back of one on the Roadshow? Has anyone seen anything like that? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lysander Posted May 17, 2018 Share Posted May 17, 2018 Reminds me of the sign for the North American, First Nation, Mohawk ,Turtle Clan...especially the markings on its back. I doubt there is any connection but there is a startling similarity. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rudd Posted May 21, 2018 Author Share Posted May 21, 2018 Interesting. Don't think he ever went to America. I do find the patterns attractive. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lysander Posted May 21, 2018 Share Posted May 21, 2018 No, but perhaps the manufacturer "borrowed" the design? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rudd Posted May 23, 2018 Author Share Posted May 23, 2018 That's possible. Or whoever made it. Do you think the family cutlery business would have also made such ornaments? They certainly went in for teapots, razors, even sewing machines and more as time went on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lysander Posted May 23, 2018 Share Posted May 23, 2018 I have never heard of a Sheffield made sewing machine...I wonder if you can enlighten me? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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