Description
Subject & Medium
This exceptional pair of late Victorian era Scottish architectural horse-head gatepost finials exemplifies the Victorian fascination with equestrian imagery as a symbol of nobility, guardianship, and strength. Cast in iron and retaining traces of their original black painted surface, they were conceived not only as functional cappings for grand estate entrances, but also as bold statements of status and refinement.
Composition & Technique
Superbly modelled with naturalistic detail, the busts capture the alert ears, muscular contours, and noble expression of the horse with remarkable vitality. Executed in heavy cast iron, each weighing over 8.5kg, the finials exhibit the high technical standards associated with the Glasgow School of design. The survival of their painted finish, surface wear, and historic patination contributes to their authenticity and visual richness. The present pair of horse-head finials exemplifies this tradition. Cast with proud bearing, arched necks, and attentive ears, they represent not a specific breed or individual animal, but rather the idealised equestrian type celebrated in 19th-century art and design. Their robust musculature and noble expression recall the classic bay stallion—a type favoured for its association with speed, reliability, and virility—though the foundry’s black painted finish was intended to harmonise with architectural ironwork rather than natural colouring.
Attributed
The present pair is attributable to the Glasgow school influenced style designs of the Saracen Foundry of Walter Macfarlane & Co., Glasgow, whose ornamental ironwork was among the most celebrated of the late 19th century. With a global reputation, Macfarlane’s foundry supplied cast-iron statuary, architectural fittings, and decorative ornament to civic, domestic, and garden settings across Britain and the United States.
About the foundry
Founded in 1851, the Saracen Foundry quickly became synonymous with the highest quality in decorative ironwork, blending artistry with industrial innovation. Macfarlane’s designs were exported worldwide, gracing everything from municipal buildings and public parks to private estates, and remain highly sought after by collectors of 19th-century decorative arts.
Dimensions
Height: 27 cm (10.6 in.)
Width at base: 18.5 cm (7.2 in.)
Depth: 27 cm (10.6 in.)
Weight: 8.5 kg (18.7 lbs.) each; 17 kg (37.4 lbs.) combined
Provenance
Notable Northern Lake District auction
Curated by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD
Why Collectors Will Value Them
Rare survivals of late Victorian equestrian design, over 130 years old.
Attributed to Glasgow School in the influencd style design of the Macfarlane’s Saracen Foundry, pre-eminent makers of decorative cast iron.
Architectural and sculptural significance – functioning both as gatepost cappings and independent decorative works.
Highly symbolic – the horse as an emblem of strength, loyalty, and guardianship at the entrance to grand estates.
Appealing to collectors of equestrian art, architectural salvage, and 19th-century British decorative arts.
Condition
Offered in fine old antique condition, consistent with outdoor use and age. They have been overpainted we just recommend you sand the loose paint off and repaint if you desire. The pair displays paint chips, surface scuffs, scratches, rust, and patination throughout, with various areas of loose paint flaking and underlying rust.These characteristics are commensurate with their period and enhance their historic integrity.
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[Returns are accepted within 60 days of the buyer receiving the item(s). Our mission is to give buyers total confidence in buying from us. Each of our items has been researched & provenance given where available. Please contact us immediately if you have any questions we will respond promptly.
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About Us
Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD. Registered office located in Shelton Street, Covent Garden, London.
Source the Historic! British & European Fine Arts, paintings, sculptures & valuable collectibles! From the antique 17th century to the modern contemporary era. Founded in 2005 and still run today by fellow Directors Michael, and Victoria, for nearly two decades, coming from an academic background, overseeing all historical research. Supporting the daily operations at Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD & directing our social media campaigns, we've been taking art collectors, hobbyists, and interior aficionados on a journey through time. Our passion is sourcing the very best historic collections that the arts and antiques world has to offer and to-date, we have worked directly with private clients through to commercial corporate organisations, museums, auctioneers, art agents & dealers being their leading collaboration partners as Fine Arts consultants. Certified elected members of the Fine Art Trade Guild.
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In the rare event that the item did not conform to the lot description in the sale, Chairish Auctions specialists are here to help. Buyers may return the item for a full refund provided you notify Chairish Auctions within 5 days of receiving the item.
Condition
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Buyer's Premium
20%
Pair Horse Head Gatepost Finials Attributed Glasgow School Macfarlane’s Foundry
$2,160.00
$3,000
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