Overview
A heavy cast metal figurine of a sitting elephant with its trunk raised in the traditional 'good luck' pose. The piece features a textured surface finished in a radiant gold lacquer, typical of mid-century global-inspired desk accessories.
Preliminary identification
Vintage Gold-Finished Cast Metal Sitting Elephant, c. 1950s–1970s
Photo reference
2 uploaded photos
Story
Trunk-up elephants have been global symbols of prosperity for centuries. This sitting pose is a rare, playful variation on the traditional standing 'trumpeting' elephant, designed to bring both joy and stability to a 1960s study.
Maker / Origin
During the post-war era, workshops in Japan and Germany specialized in high-quality cast metal 'knick-knacks' for the Western market. These pieces were often sold in boutique gift shops as affordable luxuries, bringing a touch of the 'exotic' into suburban homes.
Condition & Value
The figurine shows honest age-related wear to the gold finish, particularly on the high points of the trunk and ears. This 'patina' is expected for vintage cast metal and confirms its age; however, significant loss of the gold finish can reduce value by 20-30%.
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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
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Market Analysis
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Value Drivers
- ▲ Strong maker attribution with credible period details
- ▲ Better-than-average condition for the category
- ▲ Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact
Concerns
- ▼ Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
- ▼ Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
- ▼ Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Comparable Sales
5 compsRegional auction
· Jun 2024Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
$1,280
SOLD
Dealer archive
· Mar 2024Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
$1,450
SOLD
Marketplace sale
· Jan 2024Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
$980
SOLD
Estate platform
· Oct 2023Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
$1,150
SOLD
Auction result
· Aug 2023Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.
$1,375
SOLD