Lead toy, but what is it?

[Fourman110]

I tried posting on another forum but was skunked.

It's probably late 1800s or 1900s, but what is it supposed to be? The bottom of the figure has some crude markings. It looks like it says "FIRE" and either 1C, 1L, IC, or IL. I found it at a house built in 1880 and it's about 1 3/8" tall.

Any idea what the figure is or who the maker was?

 

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[Subterranean]

Hi Fourman, It doesn't look like any American toy soldier that I have ever seen. Based on the size, pose, and single color scheme, I believe you have a game or chess piece of a medieval theme, such as a king. A cool old find. Sub

 

[cudamark]

If that small square shaped piece is related to the figure, it's maybe a caroler from a Christmas display? The square being the hymnal or music sheet.

 

[Fourman110]

The square is actually the base of the unit. Can't really make it out as a makers mark.

 

[Breezie]

I can't tell from the photo, but judging by the features and shape, the figure appears to be a woman. 'If' it is a woman, it was probably made in the 1940's because of the hem line of the dress. Women's hem lines didn't get above the knee until the 1940's. (There were a few exceptions in the 1920s.) Also in the 1940's women's clothing took on more of a military/masculine look due to World War II. Even the hats had a military flair.

As far as the inscription on the bottom is concerned, it looks to have been done by the child who owned the toy. Makers marks on lead toys were not hand-scribed.

Neat find
Breezie

 

[Fourman110]

That's a really good evaluation. I kind of wondered if it may be a female figure myself. It almost looks like a ladies coat and "her" legs look a little less than masculine.

 

[Breezie]

That's a really good evaluation. I kind of wondered if it may be a female figure myself. It almost looks like a ladies coat and "her" legs look a little less than masculine.

Thank you for the kind words. Yes, it does look like a woman, and if it is supposed to be a man, he looks like little 'light in the loafers' if you know what I mean.

Breezie

 

[docholliday59]

Hurry up and put it back I think it's from Jumanji....

 

[Jarl]

Not sure if you'll see this post, seeing it's from 2014...but it looks like Shakespeare.

 

[ARC]

IS that a beard ?

Maybe its a kilt... Sheepherder... from the land of "where the men were men and the sheep were scared"

:P