Skip to content

Help identifying Thai amulet in gold casing - LP Parn era?

827 Views 7 Replies

0 Members and 12 Guests are viewing this topic.

#1
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 🙏
#4
Hi Valen,

Thank you for your quick response!

Regarding "Which LP Parn" - that is exactly what I am trying to find out! I am not sure which LP Parn this could be, or if it is LP Parn at all. The body shape and style reminded me of that era but I need expert help to identify it correctly.

I will post better close-up photos of the amulet figure very soon.
#5
Hi,

Here are some additional close-up shots that may give a better view of the figure. I have to say that even with a macro lens it is really challenging to capture the details clearly due to the dark patina and glass cover. I have added more light this time which hopefully helps.

Any identification help is greatly appreciated!