Antique Engraved Brass Shoe Silhouette Mantel Ornament ceramic pot and if one looks closely

and if one looks closely a tiny nest perched on one of the branches

It also would have originally been awarded with a certificate

with no glue visible

and no stains whatsoever that I can find

but I really love speculating about it

Antique Engraved Brass Shoe Silhouette Mantel Ornament ceramic pot and if one looks closelyFrom what I understand, brass shoe and boot silhouettes of this ilk were a Victorian era thing in Great Britain, often given as wedding gifts to be placed on the mantle and meant to bring good luck. This one, with a terrific untouched patina to the brass, struck me as an especially lovely one, and features a moveable piece at front, perhaps to be raised when good luck was especially needed??!! With pin prick engraving along the top edge and toe, and a