Knight, Area Germanica Medieval Period?
The model of this crusader knight belongs to medieval Germanic culture. It is similar to aquamanilia and candlesticks dated to the 13th century. For parallels see exemplaries published by Mark Gregory d'Apuzzo in the catalogue of the Bologna Medieval Museum, even though this knight does not have an utilitarian use.
In the catalogue of the Amedeo Lia Museum in La Spezia, Charles Avery published a very similar small bronze which was perhaps a toy used in tournament games.
The style of our bronze repeats medieval patterns. The patina, signs of wear and composition make it look genuinely ancient. It is nevertheless offered, along with some other objects in this volume, dubiously and attractively priced for those wishing to pursue further study.
Mark Gregory d'Apuzzo, La Collezione dei Bronzi del Museo Civico Medievale di Bologna - Libro Co, San Casciano Val di Pesa, pp.31-43.
Charles Avery, La Spezia, Museo Civico Amedeo Lia. Sculture, Bronzetti, Placchette, Medaglie, - Silvana Editoriale, Cinisello Balsamo, 1998, pp.69-72.
Peter Bloch, Bronzen Von der Antike Bis Zur Gegenwart, Catalogo della mostra, - Dietrich Reiner Verlag Edizione, Berlin, 1983, cat.n.42, 44, 45.