Standing figure of a man cast in bronze holding three javelins in one hand and an oblong shield in the other hand. Evidence of old bronze disease on the base of the object.
Fenton's antique dealers established a well-known 'Old Curiosity Shop' in the mid 19th century in Bury St. Edmunds. George Fenton was trading at 5 & 6 Meat Market, Bury St. Edmunds in 1855.
By 1888, if not earlier, they had opened 'The Old Curiosity Shop' in London, 11, New Oxford Street, where Samuel G. Fenton was trading as Fenton and Sons. Letters to Gen. Pitt Rivers, regarding potential new acquisition are addressed from Fenton and Sons on Oxford Street and are dated to 1888.
See http://web.prm.ox.ac.uk/rpr/index.php/primary-documents-index/16-second-collection-1880-1900/659-pitt-rivers-and-fentons/index.html
See also Antique Dealers: the British Antique Trade in the 20th Century, https://antiquetrade.leeds.ac.uk/dealerships/36132 Both accessed 2/10/2018.
Photographed as part of the Art UK Sculpture project, August - September 2019. The project aims to create a free-to-access online photographic showcase of publicly owned sculpture. The three-year project focuses on sculpture dating from the last 1,000 years, held in public collections and outdoor locations across the UK
Replacement catalogue card reads, in black biro: "1904 E 377 | AFRICA / WEST AFRICA / NIGERIA / Standing figure of MAN cast in bronze holding three javelins in one hand and an oblong shield in the other hand. H. 9.4" / Benin / Purchased Webster's Sale 1904 / F.J.H. Jenkinson's donation | R. 1905 778"
Red circular sticker in bottom right of card.
Catalogue card reads "Purchased, Webster Sale 1904, F.J.H. Jenkinson's donation."
F.J.H. Jenkinson M.A.
Auction - Sale/1
E 1904.376 is noted in the register as 'Benin/ Webster Sale 1904' and annotated 'though S.G. Fenton'.
This is written in the line for E 1904.376 but the ditto marks below suggest it may apply to the whole F.J.H. Jenkinson donation.