Unusual Victorian Bronze Character Figure - Who is it???

Discussion in 'Metalware' started by CatintheAttic, Nov 4, 2017.

  1. CatintheAttic

    CatintheAttic Member

    Hello, I recently purchased this unusual bronze figure at a yard sale. I think it is late 19th or early 20th century. It's a rather grotesque figure of a man in a top hat, tail coat and waistcoat. He has a very characterful face with a large beaked nose and jutting chin. He is smiling and has one eye closed in a wink, and is standing with his hands in his pockets. He looks very much as though he is a caricature of a notable person of the time - possibly an MP, industrialist or another public figure, or maybe even a character from a popular novel - one of Dickens characters perhaps? At first, his nose reminded me of Punch, but he does not have a hump on his back, so don't think this can be right. Has anyone got any idea who it might be?
    It stands just over 5" tall and bears no identifying marks.
    Any thoughts welcome!
    Thanks, Clare
    P1390164.JPG P1390165.JPG P1390166.JPG P1390167.JPG
     
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  2. komokwa

    komokwa The Truth is out there...!

    he looks like a happy gent....and no one i recognize .
    From the size & the finish...I'd suggest a first time casting or students work..
     
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  3. KingofThings

    KingofThings 'Illiteracy is a terrible thing to waist' - MHH

    Churchill?
     
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  4. komokwa

    komokwa The Truth is out there...!

    upload_2017-11-4_12-25-44.jpeg

    sure...why not!
     
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  5. evelyb30

    evelyb30 Well-Known Member

    The nose is all wrong for Sir Winston, but I like him too. He looks like he's having a good time.
     
  6. KingofThings

    KingofThings 'Illiteracy is a terrible thing to waist' - MHH

    'tis a caricature....
    :)
     
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  7. Aquitaine

    Aquitaine Is What It IS! But NEVER BORED!

    Almost looks like an Irish Leprechaun!!!
     
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  8. persona-non-gratin

    persona-non-gratin Well-Known Member

    Mr. Punch perhaps ?
     
  9. daveydempsey

    daveydempsey Moderator Moderator

    I think its a derogatory caricature depicting the stereotypical physical features of a Jewish man, often produced in Germany.
     
  10. komokwa

    komokwa The Truth is out there...!

    upload_2017-11-4_13-57-47.jpeg

    upload_2017-11-4_13-58-53.jpeg

    These are said to be late 1800's...French..

    Now, I don't know nuthin about these...& don't wish to.....but Davey got me wondering..!
     
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  11. DragonflyWink

    DragonflyWink Well-Known Member

  12. KingofThings

    KingofThings 'Illiteracy is a terrible thing to waist' - MHH

    As opposed to a French-Italian Leprechaun?
    ;)
     
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  13. Christmasjoy

    Christmasjoy Well-Known Member

    I agree with Davey on this, Joy.
     
  14. CatintheAttic

    CatintheAttic Member

    Thanks for all your input. I'm rather veering towards Davey's idea as well, and it does look very similar to the images posted by Komokwa. I don't think he's got the right nose for Disraeli though. I'll investigate the Jewish connection and see what I can come up with.
     
  15. springfld.arsenal

    springfld.arsenal Store: http://www.springfieldarsenal.net/

    Pic of underside.?
     
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  16. CatintheAttic

    CatintheAttic Member

    Having a few problems with my camera but will post image of base as soon as I can!
     
  17. CatintheAttic

    CatintheAttic Member

    Photo of base.....
    P1390412.JPG
     
  18. CatintheAttic

    CatintheAttic Member

    At last I have managed to find out what this is and it ties in nicely with Davey's previous suggestion. I've found someting that is very similar on the US Holocaust Memorial Museum:

    https://collections.ushmm.org/search/catalog/irn537377

    So it does appear to be a generic caricature of a Jewish banker or industrialist.
    Interesting but a little distasteful today.
     
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  19. Christmasjoy

    Christmasjoy Well-Known Member

    Or ANY day !!! .. Joy.
     
  20. moreotherstuff

    moreotherstuff Izorizent

    Looks like Telly Savalas
    zzzzbbcd.jpg
     
    Bronwen likes this.
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