Thin stamped metal, figure of a woman, bookmarked size

Not thinking any tremendous value here, just wondered what this was.

It is super thin metal.

Is it just an older bookmark or small wall display? Anyone seen similar? Former owner was a Russian history professor. Just not sure what to call this.

 

Bookmark would seem natural for a history professor, but would not want to put something with a design in relief into a heavy book; it would leave an impression on the paper.

 

Thanks. Had the same thought -- bookmark sized, but not usable as such.

 

Is the back tinned?
Butter, cookie, or candy press


"Press" is the wrong word

 

I wonder if that was part of a door plate.

 

Right. Maybe "stamped"? Not sure that is correct.

This is so thin. I think "tin", maybe. Should have said that first.

Thanks for the eyes on this so far.

 

Is it magnetic?

 

Mold? Of the kind you press into thin dough?

 

It looks to me like it might be trimmed from something larger. Maybe off a piece of furniture or clock case?

 

That the metal is tin might have ruled that out. I forgot to mention that it seemed to be tin-like in the opening post.

Not magnetic.

 

It is so thin than a 2 year old could bend it.

Edit: A friend (not an antique expert) looked at this and thought it might be some kind of brass coating over tin or maybe even brass.

I guess I'll say it is "tin-like".

 

It looks like it was trimmed. Maybe it was part of an embossed metal art piece, similar to a panel like this. This is copper but I have seen panels made from brass or tin.

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Malle_Renesse_embossed_copper.JPG

 

What most people call tin should be called "tinware",it is all tin plated mild steel.A piece of actual tin could be plated with another metal but there would be little point.

 

It does appear to be a mold for something, but I can't imagine what and I usually have a vivid imagination

 

I think it is too thin for a mold. Seems more like it was stamped as a decorative piece. It is really thin, light weight.

Thanks for the thoughts on this.

 

Is that a fireplace poker in her hand? If it is, maybe it came off an old fireplace bellow.

https://anyandallauctions.com/antique_bellows___wrought_iron_candlestick_holder-lot28539.aspx

 

That's as good a guess as any. Thanks.

She's holding something, thought it might be a cane, but maybe a fireplace poker.

 

Just a WAG, with the hole and ribbon, maybe someone used it as a Christmas ornament?

 

Could it be a tama, a type of votive prayer offering to leave on an alter? The trimmed edges don't look quite right, nor does the mono-bosom Edwardian dress, but that's what I thought of immediately. They were fairly specific to the type of healing required. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tama_(votive)

 

Later examples: