Any information about vintage brass fly

Hello, I’ve found a fly figurine which looks like it is made of brass. Does anybody know anything about it?
P.S. it is not an ashtray

Fly by Lostltu posted May 30, 2019 at 12:01 AM

 

I was once at an auction where over 100 of these were sold. Most were made in the early to mid 20th century. The wings lift up, right? If I remember correctly most were made of brass - as is yours - and sold for $20 to $30 each for the most part, although that could have been because there were so many of them.

 

They usually open, usually have a rough area - match holders with a striker.

 

This one does not open, does not have a rough area

 

Some have places to rest cigarettes tucked under the wings and were used as ashtrays - but I guess yours is just a decorative piece. And maybe represents a Bee

 

Can we see the underside?

 

it reminds me of a Japanese bronze Meiji period work........

https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/japanese-bronze-fly-74-c-0ae461ea10

but...no size...one pic...no bottom.....so y'know...it's hard to be of help when just pokin things with a sharp stick..........

 

Thank you for your replies and opinions. I’m adding a pic of bottom

Fly by Lostltu posted May 30, 2019 at 9:27 AM

 

I sold a similar one a few summers ago. An exterminating co bought it. LOL
True story. Lots of people like buggy stuff to decorate.

 

How much did you ask for it?

 

$20.00.. but that was a few years ago and mine was an ashtray too.
Bugs sell.
I also sold a brass spider, not an ashtray for $34.00