what to do with these guys ...

These spelters sat on a fireplace at the old house but have languished gathering dust these past 19 years. They are a puzzle. Neither is complete. The horses' tails aren't modelled, one is missing a hoof and one has a really ugly * But they are quite impressive -- about 43cm tall and 35 across the base, fierce and dynamic. They are also very heavy. Question is, should I tamper, make the horse a hoof, plug up the *, maybe give them tails and then a coat of some sort? Or should I leave them well alone and try to flog them on eBay as ??? I don't know. I've found both, complete, on Google and don't understand why these are not finished. Ideas and suggestions welcome, thanks.

 

Comments should be interesting!! Personally, I think I'd try to sell them as they are......but, are you artistic? Do you have a lot invested in them?? Have you seen others on line in similar size/condition?? You've had 19 years of thinking about it......I'd probably give it a try selling the way they are!!!!

 

My guess would be incomplete castings and lack of proper quality control.

I would garage sale them or donate them. I've had one before (different theme, lacking a foot) that I garage saled for ten bucks. Was happy to get that.

 

realistically styled beneath the tail too..

 

I think they're supposed to be Gauls.

 

Not more interesting than the OP...

Really, don't eff with them at all!

But IRL: I don't know what these are made of... this looks like some kind of paint over resin? I edited out the *

 

You're welcome!!

 

Some artistic liberties have been taken, in terms of the scale of the rider to the horse.

 

Nope, not resin. They are spelter metal figures and are nicer than they appear in the photos. I have found them on Google -- tails and hoof complete but missing weapons. I think I will not tamper, though I have other repaired spelters around the place. Arms invariably snap off.

 

Maybe the tails (as you mentioned, not modeled) are some kind of restoration?

The modeling on the rest is beautiful, Ditto patina. So no cosmetic work necessary, or advisable.

But that tail stands out.

 

Culturally, I don't know where they derive from. There are peeps here who can help with that (interested to learn).

That should be the first line of reason before restoration, I think

 

Strewth, these people who repair spelters, 'ey! scoutshouse, I believe you are right and the original tails are no more. That's quite embarrassing. I have lived with these two for decades, but such is the repair and blending of finish that I've been completely fooled -- and so has everyone else I've discussed them with. They still present nicely ... hmmm.

 

Who cares? I don't!

Repairs on antiques can be an indication of value. Could be sentimental OR historic value.

On porcelain:


We don't really know about your pieces just yet!

 

Let's see your comps?

 

I'm too busy eating humble pie for comps. Also listing some Wahliss figures on eBay. They are well broken. Even I can see the repairs! Blinking eBay is only allowing eight pics, though ...

 

I'm a generalist, and look at the physical characteristics of things. I have no real idea what "Gaul" means, though I can generally figure it out.

You'd be helping me/us with info from another source, if you have one.

I have no clue how old these things are.

 

That last pic is described as 19th C. A Google images of "Spelter Warrior on Horseback" produces quite a few, including Catawiki and this guy, "A spelter statue of a warrior with spear riding horse - Paris, France - ca. 1900 Winning bid: $127" It has a wonderful tail. They both do.

 

Ebay...
Theodore Doriot
the artist

A pair of large and striking spelter Medieval Warrior Horsemen by French sculptor Theodore Doriot. They have been mounted onto ebonized wooden bases. Approx height excluding wooden base is 17" Very dramatic & stylish masculine addition to a gentleman's study or man cave. Collection only from Hertford (SG14 2ER)

 

Thanks. Amazing that you found the name of the sculptor. I'd always assumed they were UK ...