HOBO ART or NOT?

[Historical Prospector]

Found this lead carved face buried next to a garage foundation near the front corner. I have never run across anything like this before and once heard of something called HOBO Art. Any ideas what this might be? The home I was hunting was dated about 1935. Also found a merc dime, rosy dime, about 15 Wheaties and other clad change. My hunting buddies were at a GOLD Show this weekend and I haven't even had a chance top tell them I found it.

 

[Bayrat76]

But that is a great find, really neet looking too.

 

[hershey1]

That's the only one I have ever seen. If you get it identified let us know. HH

 

[TokenDigger]

Really cool find! Are you sure it's carved though? There seems to be a small depression in the back which is normally associated with items that are cast. I have no idea what this could be for - it almost looks like an old car hood ornament (like a Mercury). Show it around to some old timers - maybe they will recognize it. Please keep us posted if you find anything out. Real neat! HH

 

[gitterdug]

I too think it is a cast piece. I see no evidence of tool marks. The flat back, with the indentation is characteristic of cast pieces too. Hobo nickels are what Bayrat was probably referring to. I posted a while back on them, but I have never found one of those before. I have never seen what you have found before in 36+ years of my hunting. Nice find though......

HH

Dennis Wynne
The Older I get, the Younger I was..........

 

[Elton]

Cast and poured piece in my opinion..

 

[NamVetLesTreasureSeeker]

Hey HP, The only HOBO ART, that I have heard about in my MEAGER 10yrs. of detecting, dealt with FACE CARVINGS on BUFFALO NICKLES!! Hope
this helps!! HH, Les Robinson

 

[notthatnewguy]

Looks cast , I once made a mold of skeletors head of he-man fame and filled it with lead, another neat hobby.

 

[bill67]

I am guessing part of an " Art Nouveau " piece ........ 1890 - 1914
Let us know ......... Bill

 

[Historical Prospector]

See, now this is why I like this forum so much. It never dawned on me that someone would have cast this lead head instead of carving it out of a chunk of lead. I am going with the cast idea because it just makes so much sense. With all the scare on lead and what it does to the brain, I hope the person that worked with this lead figure is doing fine. Thanks again everyone for your input.