Vintage Vulcan Statue Birmingham AL USA Salt/Pepper Set, Bare - Bottomed Roman God
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:7756760 | Modified Item: No |
Vintage "Vulcan" Statue Salt/Pepper Shakers - Souvenir of Birmingham, AlabamaOffered for auction is this vintage salt and pepper shaker set from the 1950's or 60's, a souvenir commemorating the statue that sits atop Red Mountain, a Birmingham, Alabama landmark. The statue bears the likeness of Vulcan - no, not the Vulcan race on Star Trek, but the Roman god of forge and fire - a fitting symbol for the iron and steel industry that defined Birmingham. Birmingham's impressive Vulcan statu...e was cast from local iron in 1904, weighs-in at 50 TONS, and remains to this day as the world's largest cast iron statue.Fortunately, this salt and pepper shaker set is much smaller than that. Standing at just under 3 inches tall, and weighing a few ounces each, you'll be able to handle them without the need for a crane or forklift. The set is made of metal (brass, I think) and has the inscription "VULCAN BIRMINGHAM ALABAMA" on the base below the Vulcan figure.And for those of you who have seen the actual statue on Red Mountain in Birmingham, or are familiar with one of the "fun facts" about this statue: yes, these salt and pepper shakers do accurately reflect the backside of Vulcan. He's not wearing pants. While many characters in Roman mythology were, shall we say, clothing-optional, I can guarantee you that if I was handling "forge and fire, " I'd be wearing the thickest pants I could find! (But I'm no Roman god.)
Here's what you get in this auctionYou will receive this set, exactly as pictured.
ConditionThis vintage item is used (obviously). The stoppers (that were removed when refilling the salt/pepper) are missing from the bottoms of the shakers, and the tip of Vulcan's spear has been broken-off one of the shakers. (A really crafty person could possibly place a small LED light to replace the broken spear tip, with the light shining either red or green... just as the actual Vulcan statue had this for a while, when the city promoted traffic safety... if Vulcan's light was red, there was a fatality accident; if green, it was a safe driving day.) Both could use a good cleaning if you want to restore them to like-new appearance, or leave them as-is for vintage character. You are getting the set exactly in the condition as I found it; I am not performing any cleaning or restoration work. Again, rely on the photos provided as the best indication of condition.If you have any questions, send a message and I'll be glad to help. If you would like different pictures before making a bidding decision, I'll be glad to provide those as well, just let me know what you need the picture(s) to show.
ShippingThis item will be packaged with care and shipped to you by the lowest cost method. If you need this sooner, specify express shipping at checkout and I'll send it that way. Local pickup is available in the Gainesville, Florida area at no cost.
Here's what you get in this auctionYou will receive this set, exactly as pictured.
ConditionThis vintage item is used (obviously). The stoppers (that were removed when refilling the salt/pepper) are missing from the bottoms of the shakers, and the tip of Vulcan's spear has been broken-off one of the shakers. (A really crafty person could possibly place a small LED light to replace the broken spear tip, with the light shining either red or green... just as the actual Vulcan statue had this for a while, when the city promoted traffic safety... if Vulcan's light was red, there was a fatality accident; if green, it was a safe driving day.) Both could use a good cleaning if you want to restore them to like-new appearance, or leave them as-is for vintage character. You are getting the set exactly in the condition as I found it; I am not performing any cleaning or restoration work. Again, rely on the photos provided as the best indication of condition.If you have any questions, send a message and I'll be glad to help. If you would like different pictures before making a bidding decision, I'll be glad to provide those as well, just let me know what you need the picture(s) to show.
ShippingThis item will be packaged with care and shipped to you by the lowest cost method. If you need this sooner, specify express shipping at checkout and I'll send it that way. Local pickup is available in the Gainesville, Florida area at no cost.
