Hello everyone,
I'm new to this forum and hoping to get some help identifying a Thai Buddhist amulet I recently acquired at a pawn auction in Germany.
I have done a thorough analysis and documentation:
📐 Measurements:
• Width: 15mm
• Depth: 10mm
• Height (without bail): 25mm
• Weight: 6.87g
🔬 XRF Analysis (professional Fischer device):
• Gold (Au): 86.79%
• Silver (Ag): 6.06%
• Copper (Cu): 7.01%
• Trace elements
🔍 Authentication details:
• Traditional Thai gold alloy - typical pre-1950 composition
• NO hallmark - consistent with pre-1950 Thai goldsmith work
• Original natural shellac seal - INTACT, never opened
• UV test confirms: shellac fluoresces orange = natural/authentic
• Old lime-soda glass cover - not plastic, not crystal
• Glass shows NO UV reaction = traditional handmade glass
• Extraordinary hand-engraved Kranok motifs on ALL four sides
• Deep black patina indicating decades of wear
📅 Estimated age: 1920s - 1940s
📝 The figure:
• Seated monk in classic meditation position
• Compact, rounded body shape
• Visible robe folds over shoulders
• Hands clearly visible in lap
• Massive solid gold Krob Tong casing
• Heart/teardrop shaped window on reverse
• Flame Kranok engravings on reverse side
❓ My questions:
• Can anyone identify the monk or temple?
• The body shape reminds me of LP Parn era - is this correct?
• Could this be a lesser known monk from the same period?
• What would be a realistic value for a piece like this?
I have attached high resolution photos of all sides including macro shots.
Any help from the experienced members here would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you 🙏
