Online Auction Pipe Stand

[alexnorth]

I just got this little fellow in the mail! A cast iron crocodile stand. I think I'll try to paint it black but I don't want to lose the details in the scales and face. A cute little guy anyways! I'm happy I got him for a dollar!

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[voorhees]

Nice little stand. I have never seen one like it. I'd personally clean it up a little and use it as it. I like the wear and patina.

 

[buroak]

The color of the oxidized surface makes me think you have a bronze pipe stand. I would polish it, but I would not cover up bronze with paint.

 

[jamesrsmithjr]

Make that three that say; leave it as is, or clean up a tad, but do not cover it up with paint. But it's yours, do what you want to do...
Any way you look at it, it is an interesting piece.

 

[alexnorth]

Buroak, I think you're 100% correct. I was probably too quick on the draw to chalk it down as iron. It says "star metal" in Swedish on the bottom and I just presumed it was iron. I have a bronze statue at home and it looks very similar!
How would one go about freshening up a little bronze crocodile?

 

[buroak]

alexnorth, I do not know what you should use to polish it. Brasso might be an option, but I cannot vouch for its safety on bronze. Perhaps a private message to cosmicfolklore would yield a good answer. He seems to work mainly in silver, but may know how to help with this.

 

[ssjones]

I love unique stands like that, well done, particularly for a buck!

 

[monty55]

Great little piece!

How would one go about freshening up a little bronze crocodile?

Don't do a damn thing to it, that is how. Just clean it with damp rag and use it. Brasso or anything else will take the natural patina off. You don't want to take it down to a shiny anything.. imo. The wear and tear is half the attraction! You use it now, put more wear and tear on it.. and it just gets better all the time, like a well used pipe or a vintage tin of your favorite flake. ::

 

[gloucesterman]

As a rule the antique guys will tell you "Never remove the Patina". It took years to develop and it's highly valued by collectors. Great buy.

 

[beastkhk]

I almost would think the intent was for it to be oxidized so the crocodile would be green. I also would leave it as is, but just my 2 cents.

 

[tuold]

Quick Internet search shows Stjärnmetall as a Swedish company from the 1930's. I see some expensive items for auction made by them. Better not mess with your investment! Who knows what it's really worth? 8O

 

[alexnorth]

Easy now... I guess I'll restrain from painting it.

 

[tuold]

I've been looking some more items from that factory just out curiosity and many of the items I see from them are painted cast iron. Cool stuff.

 

[johnnyreb]

I too, would leave it alone with the patina. Products like Brasso actually etch metal away so if it is brass or bronze you could lose some of the detail in the scales. Clean with just mild soap & water but if you do decide to remove the patina try a solution of white vinegar & water. It won't etch or harm the material.

 

[alexnorth]

I think I'll leave it as is and let the wear continue it's story

 

[admin]

Thanks for being a member and participating.
Thread title fixed.
Please see rule 9 here along with the rest of the forum rules
Thanks!

 

[phil67]

I'm with the others here. Leave it alone. It's old, so... it should look old! That's an integral part of it's character.

 

[jkrug]

What an awesome little pipe stand. Unique items like that are so cool to stumble upon. They are so rare that it's almost like having a one of a kind. Congrats and enjoy. ::