Gilt Metal Model of a Crowing Rooster

A lively decorative model of a crowing rooster, cast and assembled in brass-toned metal with an antique gilt finish. The bird stands upright in a proud, alert posture with beak open in mid-call, crested with a pronounced comb and wattles. Its plumage across the breast and neck is rendered with dense chasing, contrasting with the fluid, sweeping curves of the tail feathers, which have been individually shaped and layered to give depth and movement.

Constructed in several sections—likely cast head, body, and legs with applied hammered or cut sheet-metal tail plumes—the piece balances entirely upon its two clawed feet without need of a plinth.

Decorative animal models of this type were produced widely in France and Italy from the mid-20th century onwards, designed as mantel ornaments, hearth decor, or table centrepieces. This example shows natural mellowing to the gilt surface, with darker patination settling into the cast feathering.