Posted 8 years ago
TexasSteph
(2 items)
These are two nautical figurehead lamps purchased from the estate of an ex military gentleman. They are pretty dirty and I have not attempted to clean them. There are some condition issues, with the barrel of the soldier's gun missing and several chips here and there. They appear to be rather old and the back reads "Chapman Mfg Co ©". The sellers had no other information except that the owner had purchased them overseas many many years ago.
They are very heavy and the base/figures measure 2 feet tall (the rod and harp add an additional foot). The base is solid wood and the figures are perhaps gesso?? The figures appear to be French, based on the soldier's uniform (WWI?). The owner's estate contained many other authentic nautical items, some clearly dated early 20th century, so I don't believe these to be reproductions.
Preliminary information pulls up nothing! I'm happy to provide any additional detail that may help in identifying these as I'm anxious to know all I can about them. Thanks in advance to any and all who respond!
Are you sure that's supposed to be a gun ? Maybe a bottle of chianti ?
I'm not sure of anything! I assumed he was holding a gun, since it was obviously a soldier. I see why you suggested chianti, but my thought was the pattern was supposed to be the cross hatching on a gun butt that was just done a little large scale. Hoping someone else can shed some light!
Can't think of any military guns with checkering on grips. I'm sure some wise-arse will pop up with an exception, but it is too expensive to be common military. I've done it & know why.