From estate liquidation...Vintage hand carved wooden wine bottle cork in the form of a man
wearing an armored helmet.
Marked on the rim "Ned Kelly".
The helmet moves up and down, the protruding eyes prevent its complete removal.
This was inspired by the infamous 19thc Australian bushranger, outlaw, "Ned Kelly", who wore an armored suit in his last encounter with the police.
More or less the "Billy The Kid" of the outback!
To this day, he still remains a legend, somewhat romanticised by many historians.
I inserted a standard size playing card in one photo for size referrence.
It measures 11.5cm (4 3/4") top to bottom and has survived in good condition.
There are no labels or marks to identify the maker... it is on par with stoppers made by Anri in Italy.
MUCH OBLIGED