Flying Pig Piggy Bank - What Metal

I picked this up for a child I know, but wanted to figure out what it is made of first. (I haven't asked her parents, so she may already have a piggy bank.) It is shiny and heavy at almost 2 pounds. I thought aluminum at first, but I think aluminum would be lighter even though this is a 5 inch tall and 6 inch long hunk of metal.

I don't think it is older because it doesn't have much detail. Does anyone have an idea on the type of metal. I have to clean it before I give it to her and don't want to use the wrong thing.

 

Did you do a magnet test? Almost looks like stainless steel or brushed nickel. Just a couple wild guesses.

 

Excellent idea. I hadn't thought about that. Not magnetic though.

 

It probably is an aluminum alloy that is polished. That pig has a cast body with applied wings. Casting Stainless Steel or Nickel is a very expensive process and I doubt it would be used for just a simple pig bank body.
The melting points of SS & Nickel is upwards of 2700°F which requires special furnaces and crucibles to melt and pour either one.
Aluminum melts at 1200°F which makes it much easier to work with in a foundry.

 

So cute ! Maybe pewter ?

 

Good points, Rayo.

Was thinking it's too heavy to be aluminum, but I guess depending on thickness, and the exact makeup of the alloy, it could be.

 

Possibly a zinc alloy, too. Would account for the weight.

 

Pig Iron....????

 

Perfect. I love the information about why it might be an aluminum alloy. That would account for the shiny surface. This gives me also a lead to see where they are being sold. Thank you very much.

 

Thanks for adding the thought about the alloy. I figured aluminum couldn't weigh this much but combined with something heavier.

 

Zinc! Interesting. It is also a shiny silver metal. Thank you.

 

Looks like with both those metals I will have to use a soft cloth and warm soapy water and hope for the best. Thank you for your help. I am sure it's a mass produced item, I just couldn't find it anywhere.

 

It is, but is such a cute little thing. I'm sure she'll love it.

 

I hope so. She is 4.

 

It is adorable. Tell her to start saving now.

 

Oh you mean when she becomes one of us?