I cannot remember where this came from, but I have had it for a while. I recently took it to the Jewellery Quarter in Birmingham, with some scrap silver, just on the off chance that this was silver, and I was pleasantly surprised to be informed that it tests at Sterling, 92.5 % purity.

There are no hallmarks or makers' marks at all, so I have little idea where it was made, but if I had to guess I would think it is Middle Eastern. From what I can tell, the lion was cast in two parts, and appears to be hollow. The casting is pleasing but a little crude.

The lion is 4.5 cm long, and weighs 26 g.

Good condition, just light scratches and tarnish, and a couple of minor dings to the edge of the base.