Bird with spread wings · BAG Turgi

A bird with widely spread wings, at the moment of taking off: the body upright, the pinions stretched to both sides. On the base the stamp «BAG Turgi».

Spread wings are the hardest task in casting: they stand far from the body, are thin and break easily — while pouring as well as while cooling. That the pinions here are continuous and without a crack speaks for a good mould. The feather structure is worked in as fine grooving, not merely suggested.

Stamped on the base: «BAG TURGI · CH-5300 TURGI». Behind it stands the Bronzewarenfabrik AG in Turgi, canton Aargau — 5300 is the postcode of the place. That makes this piece a documented Swiss product and not an anonymous import, which for small sculpture of this kind is the exception: the great majority carry nothing at all.

The figure is cast in solid brass. It has gone lighter on the raised areas — that is how brass behaves when it is handled over years: the surface tarnishes, and where hands pass over it, it stays bright. Anyone wanting an even tone polishes it; most leave the patina that has grown, it belongs to the age of the piece.

• Solid brass, cast
• Solid cast, distinct weight
• Wings widely spread, free-standing
• Plumage structure worked in
• Rising pose
• Largest piece in the holding
• Base stamped «BAG Turgi · CH-5300 Turgi»

Good. Both wings complete, no bending, no breaks at the delicate wing tips. The stamp is legible. Stands without tipping.