Trevor,

Interesting. There is a rattle at the end of the tail - suggesting a
stylized rattlesnake.

I would look carefully at the surface for flashing or attachment
points where it may have been part of a larger sculpture or object,
also there is a curious wear pattern in the photo where the surface
patina has been worn down to shiny metal (this looks like a brass -
which would likely place this to more of an 18th century context at
its earliest).

Cheers!
Dave

David Harvey
Conservator
Los Angeles, California USA

On 5/13/07, REYNOLDS, Trevor <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>
>
> Dear Colleagues
>
> Can any of you help with information about an object it is a copper alloy
> snake, possibly a toy, found in an allotment, at Duston, Northamptonshire,
> UK. There is a photo on flickr
>
> http://www.flickr.com/photos/8268197@N02/496461395/
>
> Any suggestions greatfully received.
>
> Trevor Reynolds
> Collections Registrar
> English Heritage, 1 Waterhouse Square, 138 Holborn, London EC1N 2ST
> Telephone +44 (0)20 7973 3482
> [log in to unmask]
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