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 play act at fighting
Indians and killing buffalo. These souvenirs, were sold at these shows
and this is one of them.
I can assure you that the Buffalo Bill Statue is original. I have been collecting old west items for over 55 years.
There
were thousands of the Buffalo Bill statues sold over the time of his
career as a showman. I have identified at least 7 different variations.
Like
any antique condition is the important factor. This one is the largest
in size, I have seen. Most seem to have missing pieces, cracks or have
been repainted. As you can see this one has a couple minor finish loss spots, but has never been repainted, and
retains its "Goldtone Coloration". This is very nice with NO DAMAGE as is
often found. Note the rifle slug across his back and the button up
leggings.
This is a later casting, you can tell by the fact it was
cast in few pieces braised together and by the single steam
hole to let out heat in the foundry. This measures over 9 3/4 inches
tall and over 9 1/2 inches long, making it the biggest I have observed.
It weighs 4 pounds. It is in amazingly good condition. 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 a flambouent tie, a
showman's cape and leggings an outfit he was know to wear in the Wild
West Show, 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. ( I replaced the lariat, it was a mess)
This is guaranteed old, genuine and original.
FOR MORE PROVENANCE CLICK HERE
