This is a very old statue. These were made between 1870 and 1910, and were sold as souvenirs at BUFFALO BILL'S WILD WEST shows of the late 1800s, and turn of the century. Buffalo Bill Cody would tour the country, mostly in the east, and pretend to fight Indians and kill buffalo. These souvenirs, were sold at these shows and this is one of them.
This is a very old casting, you can tell by the fact it was cast in many pieces and braised together afterwords and by the steam holes to let out heat in the foundry. This measures over 10 inches tall and over 9 inches long, and weighs 3 pounds. It is in amazingly good condition. This has most of its originally antique bronze finish remaining and the metal has a great patina.
Look closely at the detail. The base is ornate with flowers and ferns. The horse is a prancing steed, two feet off the ground. The rider and saddle is a separate casting from the horse. He wears the long hair and mustaches of that period. He wears fringed buckskin pants, a bow tie with long tails, and a vaquero type jacket and a big hat with a feathered plume. Slung across his back is a rifle. He has one outstretched hand in the air and it holds a metal lariat. The horse itself has a metal bridle and reins.
It is very rare to find the original reins intact and in good condition. This is guaranteed old, genuine and original.
