1st - 5th items: European cold painted bronze Matador or Toreadore desk set after Franz Bergmann, consisting of five (5) pieces, including an inkstand having a figural bull inkwell together with a matador or toreador, a pair of figural toreador candleholders, a chamberstick with a kneeling figural toreador, and a figural picadore bell. All items are on a rectangular-shaped base with bun feet, with the exception of the chamberstick. Ranging in size from 3 1/2" H X 5 1/2" W to 8 1/4" H x 13 3/4" W x 6 1/4" D. Likely Austrian, late 19th century. Note: Family history states that this set was originally purchased at the Spanish Pavilion at the World's Columbian Exposition held in 1893 in Chicago. 6th item: Figural silver-plated matchbox profile bust of Christopher Columbus having a hinged base with push latch at neck. Stamped COLUMBUS to one side and PAT OCT 25 92 to other. 2 5/8" H x 1 3/4" W x 5/8" D. American, circa 1892-93.
The Collection of Michael and Peggy Mahoney, by descent from the historic homes of Clarkland Farm at Bryan's Station and Cherrycote, Lexington, Kentucky.
Condition
1st - 5th items: Scattered wear and losses to polychrome paint. Matador with end of sword missing and base for inkstand slightly bowing to center. No identifying marks found. 6th item: Overall good condition with slight oxidation to face and pitting to seams.