Expert: Ralph Salier - 1/1/2012

Question
This may be more of a antique question, but maybe you could help also. I found 3 mini pyramids at a thrift store. The tallest must be about 2 inches. The other 2 progressivle smaller. They are solid brass. Ive found 3 similar ones online but they are not exact, all their brick patterns go all the way to the bottom, and arent triangle off like mine. I wonder if its possible that they are very old and not just a replica. The largest one is very worn at the tip all the way around, no idea why. How long would it take brass to wear like that? The second largest has some small areas like that. I turned it over so you could see the inside-it is bumpy. I noticed that not all the lines are straight, and i assume that means they are hand-made, not mass produced. You can see that on the smaller on at the bottom. I didnt find any markings on them. There are some vertical scratches on all of them, i assume are from a bad cleaning job but could it be when they were made, but doubt it. Any thoughts you have on them would be great. Thank you very much.

Answer
Hi Shelly,

These were and are made for the tourist trade.  There are many "manufacturers" of these and many have their own molds.  Their age is often indeterminate because they intentionally make them look old.  These like scarabs, oil lamps, and other items are often reproduced and sold to the tourists in and around Cairo and else where in Egypt.  

I do not believe they have much value except for the brass.  

Sorry to disappoint.