Vintage Golfer in Knickerbockers Posing with Putter
Decorative sculpture/figurine on a circular base • Mass-produced decorative item; likely manufactured by a commercial foundry specializing in sports-themed trophies or collectibles (possibly Japanese or American origin)
Style & Movement
Mid-century Revival / Sporting Art / Nostalgic Realism
Medium & Technique
Cast metal (likely spelter or white metal) with a cold-painted bronze-effect finish and textured cross-hatching to simulate fabric
Creation Period
Late 20th Century (circa 1970–1990)
Dimensions & Format
Small-scale figurine; estimated 8 to 12 inches in height (Vertical/Statue format)
Subject Description
A male golfer in traditional early 20th-century attire, including a flat cap, tweed jacket, and plus-fours (knickerbockers). He is depicted in a concentrated putting stance atop a textured mound base.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good; showing typical wear consistent with age and domestic display
Estimated Market Value
$40 - $120 USD
Auction Estimate
$30 - $80 USD
Provenance History
Unknown; likely acquired as a retail decorative object or trophy. No visible foundry marks or signatures in the provided image.
Art Historical Significance
Low; this is a commercial decorative object rather than a fine art bronze. It represents the popularization of 'Country Club' aesthetics and sporting nostalgia in late 20th-century interior design.
Notable Features
Distinctive industrial 'cross-hatch' texture used to simulate the feel of heavy wool or tweed; use of a thin metal rod for the golf club which is often a point of failure in these mass-produced models.
Condition Issues
Visible surface rubbing and patination wear on high points (shoulders and cap), potential slight bending of the delicate wire-thin golf club, and dust accumulation in crevices.
Conservation Recommendations
Gentle dusting with a soft brush; avoid abrasive chemical cleaners which may strip the bronze-toned finish to reveal the base metal beneath.