A Fine Pair of “Estribos de Campaña” (Bell Stirrups)

Acquired by a Far East collection

A Fine Pair of “Estribos de Campaña” (Bell Stirrups)
Cast Brass, 19th Century
Probably Brazil or Argentina (possibly cast in England for Spanish/South American market)
Unsigned

Dimensions: Each stirrup measures 7" high (18 cm) x 5 1/4" (13.5 cm) at the widest.
Foot aperture measures approx. 3.5" (9cm) wide x 2 3/4 (7 cm) high.
Weight: Approx. 2 lbs 7 oz (1.1 kg)

Cast in the round, with cherub masks flanked by foxes rampant within leafy scrolls to both sides.

The workmanship on these impressive items of metalware transcends their original purpose and transforms them into beautiful sculptural works of art. Details such as the foxes’ fur has been chased into the brass (now polished out with time on the high points of the well-toned brass).