Vintage Cast Metal Quail Garden Stake Ornament

This item is an decorative garden stake featuring a relief-style scene of two California quails (Callipepla californica) set within a naturalistic landscape of tall grasses and overhanging foliage or trees. The ornament is constructed from a heavy cast metal alloy, likely brass or bronze given the visible greenish-grey verdigris and oxidation patterns. It measures approximately 10 to 12 inches in total height, including a single integrated tapered spike designed for insertion into soil. The scene shows a highly textured surface with intricate feather detailing on the birds and fine line work on the surrounding vegetation. One quail is perched on a rocky ledge while the second stands in the foreground grasses. The overall patina is aged and weathered, showing a dark, muted finish with some silvery metallic highlights peeking through at the high points of the casting, which could indicate a plated finish or specific alloy composition. The reverse side appears flat, suggesting it was sand-cast or die-cast for two-dimensional display. The style is reminiscent of mid-20th-century outdoor decor, likely produced between 1950 and 1980. There are no visible maker's marks or signatures in the photograph, but the high level of detail suggests a commercial mass-market design of good quality. Condition issues are limited to surface oxidation and some encrustation consistent with long-term exposure to an outdoor environment.