A hand-made reclaimed-drum metal fish (a cottage metal craft, strongest in India and the East); later 20th century

Maker unknown; made from reclaimed painted sheet metal, a former drum, container or sign

Hand-fabricated: sheet-steel body formed and welded along a belly seam into a hollow streamlined form, flanks hammered to shape

Dorsal and pectoral fins cut from flat sheet and riveted on; tail welded; two forged rings welded to the spine for the chains

Confirmed ferrous steel; old printed branding and stencils survive under the patina

Shark form with a deeply forked tail; hung on two chains

86 cm long, 9 cm deep, 18 cm high to the fin (excluding chains); 12 cm chains; 0.75 kg

Dark oiled patina over old paint, residual green and black; honest surface wear, paint loss and light rust

Every KOBK object is one of one and carries its age honestly. Expect marks, wear and patina as part of the piece; any specific fault is noted above. Where an object is photographed on a stand, the stand is included.