Singapore Merlion Commemorative Silver-Finished Pewter Figurine
Decorative Object / Souvenir Statuette · Likely Royal Selangor or a specialized Singaporean souvenir manufacturer such as RISIS. Royal Selangor, founded in 1885 in Malaysia, is the world's largest pewter manufacturer, renowned for high-quality souvenir and luxury items across Southeast Asia.
Pattern: Merlion Landmark Series; customized for the Singapore tourism market, featuring a hybrid mythical creature with a lion's head and a fish's body.
Type
Decorative Object / Souvenir Statuette
Maker
Likely Royal Selangor or a specialized Singaporean souvenir manufacturer such as RISIS. Royal Selangor, founded in 1885 in Malaysia, is the world's largest pewter manufacturer, renowned for high-quality souvenir and luxury items across Southeast Asia.
Material
Likely Silver-Finished Pewter or Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS). The satin-grey sheen and cast details suggest high-quality pewter rather than solid sterling silver. It may contain a mix of tin, antimony, and copper if pewter, or a silver plating over a base alloy.
Dimensions
Estimated Height: 12-15 cm (4.7-5.9 inches); Estimated Weight: 300-500 grams. This is a standard desk-top souvenir size.
Description
An intricate commemorative figurine depicting the Merlion, the national symbol of Singapore. This piece features a majestic lion’s head atop a scaly fish body rising from a base that serves as a panoramic tribute to Singaporean life, including heritage architecture and traditional transport. The contrast between the matte-metallic finish and the transparent glass mini-merlion provides a contemporary aesthetic suitable for high-end souvenir collecting.
Key Features
Hybrid mythical creature form, highly detailed base relief of Singaporean scenes, dual-material construction with glass and metal, and a distinctive satin-brushed finish.
Material & Composition
Likely Silver-Finished Pewter or Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS). The satin-grey sheen and cast details suggest high-quality pewter rather than solid sterling silver. It may contain a mix of tin, antimony, and copper if pewter, or a silver plating over a base alloy.
Finish & Decoration
Satin brushed finish with oxidized highlights to emphasize textural details. Features include a cast lion head with a flowing mane, scaled fish body (repoussé-style effect), and a base depicting Singaporean landmarks and heritage scenes (rickshaws, shophouses). A small crystal or glass Merlion figurine is perched on the side.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Usually found on the underside of the base; likely includes 'SINGAPORE', a maker's mark (e.g., 'Royal Selangor' or 'RISIS'), and possibly a material mark like 'Pewter' or 'Silver Plated'. No standard British or European silver hallmarks are visible on the exterior.
Construction Details
Cast metal construction. The piece is likely produced using centrifugal or gravity casting in a mold, followed by hand-finishing and assembly of the glass element and base.
Functional Features
Purely decorative desk ornament or paperweight with a felted or flat base for stability; the glass component acts as a secondary visual accent.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A - Non-functional as a handle; however, the textured lion mane provides a tactile grip for moving the object.
Craftsmanship Details
Displays high-quality commercial casting with crisp definition in the scales and mane. The base relief shows thoughtful composition, indicating a professional design team rather than a mass-market injection-molded piece.
Authentication Indicators
The weight-to-size ratio and the 'pewter' look suggest it is a high-quality alloy rather than sterling silver. Lack of '925' marks on the front surface is consistent with high-end Singaporean souvenir giftware.
Origin & Manufacturing
Singapore or Malaysia. Manufactured in a regional high-end workshop specializing in commemorative metalwork for the Southeast Asian market.
Era & Period
Late 20th to early 21st Century (Contemporary); reflecting Singapore's modern tourism identity established after the 1964 design of the Merlion symbol.
Age Estimate
Circa 1990-2010. The design of the base and the inclusion of the glass element are typical of giftware from this period.
Cultural Significance
As a national icon, the Merlion represents Singapore's identity, history, and economic growth. Such pieces are frequently given as official state gifts or purchased by tourists to commemorate the 'Lion City'.
Condition Notes
Very Good. The surface shows minor dust and light patination consistent with shelf display. No visible chips in the glass or significant pitting in the metal. Some light tarnish on the recessed areas enhances the detail.
Value Estimate
$40 - $120 USD. Value depends on brand (Royal Selangor/RISIS carry a premium) and the actual silver content of the plating.
Care & Maintenance
Dust with a soft, lint-free cloth. If silver-plated, avoid abrasive cleaners; use a mild silver polish sparingly. If pewter, wash with warm soapy water and dry immediately to avoid water spots.
Similar Pieces
Royal Selangor Merlion figurines (all-pewter), RISIS Gold-Plated Merlions (999 gold over brass/silver), and generic tourist-grade zinc alloy figurines (lighter and less detailed).
Interesting Facts
The Merlion was designed by Alec Fraser-Brunner in 1964 as a logo for the Singapore Tourism Board. The fish body represents Singapore's origins as a fishing village (Temasek) and the lion head represents Singapore's original name, Singapura (Lion City).