Singapore Merlion Souvenir Figurine / Bottle Opener
Decorative Object / Souvenir (Possible Bar Tool) · Unknown mass-market manufacturer, typically produced in Southeast Asia for the Singaporean tourism market.
Pattern: Generic Singapore Merlion souvenir line
Type
Decorative Object / Souvenir (Possible Bar Tool)
Maker
Unknown mass-market manufacturer, typically produced in Southeast Asia for the Singaporean tourism market.
Material
Likely Zinc Alloy / Base Metal with a copper-tone or antiqued bronze-wash finish. This is not solid silver or sterling.
Dimensions
Estimated 8-10 cm in height; approximately 50-100 grams depending on whether the metal is hollow-cast.
Description
A cast metal souvenir figurine depicting the Merlion, the national symbol of Singapore. The piece features a lion head and a fish body, resting on a pedestal marked 'SINGAPORE.' It has an antiqued copper finish intended to mimic weathered bronze.
Key Features
Distinctive Merlion iconography (Lion head, fish tail), copper-toned plating, and prominent country name on the base.
Material & Composition
Likely Zinc Alloy / Base Metal with a copper-tone or antiqued bronze-wash finish. This is not solid silver or sterling.
Finish & Decoration
Antiqued electroplated finish with copper-colored highlights; molded scales and stylized lion mane; "SINGAPORE" embossed on the base.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No visible hallmarks or fineness stamps (e.g., 925). The word "SINGAPORE" is embossed on the pedestal.
Construction Details
Machine-cast or die-cast from a mold; features characteristic mold seam lines typical of mass production.
Functional Features
Purely decorative or possibly a bottle opener/corkscrew handle; the hole in the tail section may accommodate a keychain or lanyard.
Handle & Grip Details
Molded scales provide a textured surface; solid or weighted base for stability.
Craftsmanship Details
Cast from a mold with mechanical finishing; mass-produced quality with visible seams and standard commercial plating.
Authentication Indicators
Lack of 925/999 stamps and the presence of copper-colored rub-through indicates this is a non-silver souvenir item.
Origin & Manufacturing
Origin Singapore (Retail); and likely manufactured in Singapore or China for the souvenir trade.
Era & Period
Modern Era (late 20th to 21st Century); mass-tourism souvenir era.
Age Estimate
Circa 1990-present day based on the Merlion design and modern casting techniques.
Cultural Significance
A representation of Singapore's humble beginnings as a fishing village (Temasek) and its name meaning 'Lion City' (Singapura).
Condition Notes
Good condition; showing minor surface wear and oxidation on the copper plating. Likely Grade: Good.
Value Estimate
$2.00 - $10.00 USD; primary value is as a travel memento rather than precious metal investment.
Care & Maintenance
Dust with a soft dry cloth; avoid chemical silver polishes as they will strip the thin copper plating from the base metal.
Similar Pieces
Pewter Merlion figurines by Royal Selangor, which would be of significantly higher craftsmanship and material value.
Interesting Facts
The Merlion was designed by Alec Fraser-Brunner for the Singapore Tourism Board in 1964 and remains the official mascot of the city-state.