Seated Animal Figure (Possibly a Dog or Squirrel)
Miniature Sculpture / Statuette • Indeterminate; likely produced by a commercial foundry or as a souvenir craft piece. No distinguishing artist marks visible.
Style & Movement
Decorative Animalier (Folk Art/Vernacular style)
Medium & Technique
Cast metal (possibly bronze or a lead alloy) with a dark patina or surface oxidation. Executed via lost-wax or sand casting.
Creation Period
20th Century (likely mid-to-late 20th century mass-market or hobbyist production)
Dimensions & Format
Miniature scale, estimated 1 to 2 inches in height. Three-dimensional free-standing format.
Subject Description
A small, abstracted zoomorphic figure depicting a seated creature. The form suggests a small mammal, such as a squirrel or a dog, with a curved tail and simplified anatomical features. The composition is compact and utilitarian.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good; the object shows significant surface wear, loss of original finish, and accumulation of dust and pitting.
Estimated Market Value
$5 - $20 USD
Auction Estimate
$10 - $30 USD (likely as part of a larger group lot)
Provenance History
Unknown; characteristically found in domestic settings as a 'knick-knack' or decorative drawer pull/hardware component.
Art Historical Significance
Low; this is a functional or decorative object of common manufacture. It represents the ubiquity of small-scale animalier sculptures in 20th-century home decor.
Notable Features
The object's placement on a wooden surface suggests it may have been repurposed as, or originally intended to be, a furniture attachment or a decorative handle.
Condition Issues
Surface oxidation, scratching, dirt accumulation in recessed areas, and general abrasion consistent with age and handling.
Conservation Recommendations
Gentle cleaning with a soft brush and microfiber cloth to remove dust. Avoid harsh chemicals that may strip the remaining patina.
Collector Notes
Value