Vintage Buffalo Bill Cody Statue Clock Topper Souvenir Wild West Show Metalwork

Description

This rare Buffalo Bill Cody Statue Metalwork Sculpture is possibly a Clock Topper, or a Souvenir depicting his Wild West Show in magnificent detail. Great for an avid collector.
Since there is no name of the maker on the statue, I cannot confirm that this Buffalo Bill statuette may have been made by Nicholas Muller and his sons. They were in business from 1850 to 1900 and created the Buffalo Bill Cody pieces between 1870 and 1900. Although I did see one listed with the same features as this particular statue and it being attributed to Muller. It is Numbered #547.
There were likely thousands of the Buffalo Bill statues sold over the time of his career as a showman and I understand that there were at least 7 different variations. But none that I have seen that have the attention to detail and workmanship of this particular statuette. What makes this one unique is the features and detail found on this one that you don't see in other variations. I believe it is very rare.
The proportions are excellent between rider and horse. I have seen pieces where the horse seems noticeably undersized in comparison to the rider.
Check out the super detail on this metalwork compared to comparable pieces. A fine craftsman made this piece. Rifle slung across his back, sword or dagger on hip, and a pistol on other hip. He has one outstretched hand in the air and it holds a metal rope.
The fine detail of his clothing: the sash, bow tie, a Vaquero jacket and leggings, an outfit he was known to wear in the Wild West Show, and a big hat with a feathered plume. He wears the long hair and mustaches of that period.
The horse shows beautiful detail as well, muscular and great feeling of movement with the high step, detailed bridle, and mane.
Another feature that makes this one different is the base has a rocky textured surface but shows a few fallen leaves and one flower on the ground.
Not sure the metal, maybe cast iron or pot metal with bronze paint.
Condition:
Missing a screw on one side that holds rider on horse. (see picture)
The horse reins are missing. (see picture)
There is a small chip and a crack on the same side (see picture with yellow circles), but not that noticeable (see picture with statue standing on table with small chip showing,)
Some paint has rubbed off slightly (see picture of his leg and horses tail and flank), but understandable due to its age.
Lighting was an issue - so I included a picture taken with natural light since the other pictures were too golden in color and not as bronze, I had to adjust the saturation so it was more true to the original, but if you display it with a spot light, it will look golden.
This measures over 10 1/4 inches tall and over 10 inches long (making it one of the larger ones available). It weighs 3.75 pounds.
Please take note of the conditions issues above and check out the pictures since I don't accept returns or refunds.
But this piece is at a different level than others I have seen and I think you will be well pleased. My mother in law had this in her living room. She loved to go antiquing so this may have been how she got it.
Condition is Used. Shipped with USPS First Class.