Cast Iron Warrior Pair

Good Day, I recently bought a pair of metal (cast iron, I believe) warriors at a local estate sale in Virginia. Nobody seemed to have any info about what they were or where they came from, but they are REALLY cool (I think...). The pair are 20 inches tall (h) X 6 3/4 inches long (l) X 4 1/2 inches wide (w) and each is quite heavy. The bases are hollow and I could find nothing indicating a maker's mark or factory designation. I searched online for an hour and while I found similar metal figurines, I didn't find anything exact, so was hoping some of you smart people might tell me who they are / where they are from / time period they were made. Any info would be MUCH APPRECIATED!! Thank You!

 

Not a clue, but I would love to have Charlemagne be one of them!

 

I was going to suggest that you try a magnet on them to see if it sticks. Then I came upon this figure (unidentified) that I think might be like yours. Yours would be missing the flag and the shield. (Just a quick look at your photos, his arm looks like it might have been broken.) Anyway, here is what I came upon.

https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/6533675_gilt-metal-figural-and-foliate-table-lamp

 

Wow! That's GREAT! Thank You!!!

 

I have seen similar, and even repaired a couple, but those that I have handled were in fact made of spelter, which is a zinc-lead alloy usually with a bit of copper in it, which bends and works like lead. It was often used for statues like these and was quite easy to patinate. It was also easy to cast and get quite extraordinary details, which with iron wouldn't normally be possible.

Perhaps they are a stylised Vercingetorix and Julius Caesar?

Lovely statues by the way!

 

Thanks for the insights, Blacksmith! Honestly had no idea what they were made of, but after reading some of these inputs and was able to use the info for more specified searches, I believe the statues are actually made of bronze or the alloy you detailed in your summary. Would definitely love to know who these represent (Vikings, Romans, Visigoths, Barbarians, etc...) or just subjects of mythology. ANY idea as to a timeframe these were produced? THANKS Again! Great info!!!

 

I would think perhaps 1880's. But, I found this online and they reckon early 20th century (?).

https://www.icollector.com/Spelter-Medieval-Warrior-Lamp_i8501807

I would never have guessed a lamp!

 

LOL!!! Now THAT is what a WARRIOR statue should be holding up!! A floral inspired light fixture!! Love it!!! Thanks for sharing!!!

 

That is *wild*!

 

Hercules fought a lion and wore its skin and then he subdued the Hydra, multi-headed snake. I'm seeing echoes of that mythology with the 3 headed snake on his mail and the lion shield.

 

Excellent observation, Bev! Thank You!!

 

& what looks like a paw...hanging down his right leg..