This is a stunning, Victorian figural hat pin holder or stand, made of Britannia metal or a similar pewter type alloy, & dating to the Aesthetic period, around 1870 - 80.

The holder has a rectangular base with four bracket feet & has been beautifully cast in the form of a Crane or Heron like bird, standing with it's wings slightly spread & it's long neck streched downwards, feeding on the plants on the ground.

The back of the bird has a line of 12 small holes, into which, hat pins would be placed.

The casting is of a very high quality, with detailed plumage, & captures the feeding Crane beautifully.

Although designed as a hat pin holder, this is not really apparent, and would easily stand alone as a stunning decorative piece.

The base measures approx 3 3/4" x 2 1/2" & the approx height is just under 5" (approx 9.5cm x 6.4cm, & 12.5cm).

Condition is Very Good for it's 140 odd years, with a lovely patina. The points to note are that one wing has a very old & very small split to the edge & the base rocks very slightly (approx 2-3mm movement).

Overall, an extremely scarce & very high quality Britannia metal figurine / holder.