Spelter? Figurine of boy

I found this metal figurine in the thrift yesterday.
8.5" long (21.59cm),
6.5" high (16.51cm)
I don't know what the metal is..spelter?
But he looks like silver wash.
It is quite heavy. The base is metal, too.
No marks at all. I'm guessing late Victorian.
There is a similar one for sale on the Chairish site, and that seller is calling it French.
There are variations of this figure all over the Internet with various incorrect descriptions.

What do you all think? French? Age?
Thanks all in advance!

 

The copper and gilt metal version
https://www.chairish.com/product/29...-copper-and-gilt-metal-figure-of-shepherd-boy

 

"boys figure with dog"
I guess the dog walked away while the sculptor was working on this ...

 

A shepherd carrying a sickle?

 

pewter version
https://www.etsy.com/listing/1241259276/statue-of-woman-wheat-harvester-pewter

And now the boy is a woman ...

 

I rather like that (and not my usual type of thing.) Sickle and gaiters.

Debora

 

Here's a variation with some marks ...
https://www.ebay.com/itm/254443543488

 

That's one flat chested woman.

 

So you don't slice your ankles? Or fashion statement?

 

Ha

ha! The wheat looks like a sheep dog, if you've had too many tokes

 

For protection of body and clothing, I'd think.

Debora