Seahorse Appraisal

Electroformed Seahorse Figurine

This item is an electroformed seahorse figurine, likely created by depositing a layer of copper or precious metal over a natural biological specimen or a wax master model. The figure exhibits a highly textured surface characteristic of the 'Hippocampus' genus, including a prominent coronet, distinct bony ring segments along the body, and a curled prehensile tail. The coloration displays a multi-tonal metallic finish with warm bronze and copper hues accented by iridescent highlights of purple, pink, and silver, which may indicate a specific finishing patina or the interplay of light on the electroformed surface. In terms of construction, electroforming creates a seamless, rigid metal shell that captures micro-details of the original form. While the image resolution is low, the silhouette appears intact with no visible structural breakage, though there are variations in surface luster that could suggest minor oxidation or handling wear. These pieces are often associated with late 20th-century artisan craftsmanship, frequently sold as high-end coastal decor or as components for assemblage jewelry. The quality depends on the thickness of the metal shell and the fidelity of the detail preserved during the electrolytic process.