Description
This lions head has been in my family my whole life. I'm 63 yrs old. We got it from my fathers aunt. My family has ties to very early California/Mexico history. I don't know if it's tied to that or not. This is the first time I've inquired about this family heirloom. This cast iron lions head is 12 inches wide, 14 inches tall and is 7 inches deep. It weighs 26 pounds. If nothing else, I would appreciate help with the history of this item. Thanks
Re: Cast iron lions head
I'm no expert. But I am exceptionally good at figuring things out, often just by looking.
Notice that there is a hole in the top. This of course indicates it was hung somewhere. Also notice the mouth is hollow, indicating that something was either placed in it, or came out of. Judging from the design two possibilities come to mind.
Either from a fountain, or was a door knocker with the ring in the mouth.
Just did a search by image of iron lion head door knockers and fountain spouts. Fountain spouts rarely show teeth, and design the mouth different from your item. So clearly your item is a door knocker and is missing the ring.
Re: Cast iron lions head
The measurments posted were width, height and depth, as laying flat on the ground. Never had anything in mouth. Hollow on backside. Approx 3/8"+ cast iron. I've had this for over 60 yrs. The history of it was always a mystery. This is in Los Angeles. Early California??? Your guess is as good as mine.
Re: Cast iron lions head
There may have been something in the mouth at one point. Iron was a very common metal, even before steel came about, and was used for many things, including door knockers. Only other thing I can think of is that it is just a simple wall hanging.
You may be able to find history by looking for other items with the similar design of the mane. Different cultures had different ways of portraying animals.
What else can you tell me about it? Like where it was originally, where you had it for those 60 years, etc. Anything may provide a clue.
Re: Cast iron lions head
Pretty heavy for a door knocker.