Pair Horse Head Garden Gatepost Finial Sculptures Attributed Glasgow School Macfarlane’s Foundry
London, United Kingdom
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Dimensions
Wear Condition
Wear & Tear
Material
Cast Iron
Style
Antique, Victorian
Product Details
Description
A Rare Pair of Scottish Victorian Equine Cast-Iron Horse-Head Gatepost Finial Sculptures Attributed to Glasgow School Influence Macfarlane’s Saracen Foundry, circa 1890.
This exceptional pair of late Victorian era Scottish architectural horse-head gatepost finials exemplifies the Victorian fascination with equestrian imagery as a symbol of nobility, guardianship, and strength. Cast in iron and retaining traces of their original black painted surface, they were conceived not only as functional cappings for grand estate entrances, but also as bold statements of status and refinement.
Superbly modelled with naturalistic detail, the busts capture the alert ears, muscular contours, and noble expression of the horse with remarkable vitality. Executed in heavy cast iron, each weighing over 8.5kg, the finials exhibit the high technical standards associated with the Glasgow School of design. The survival of their painted finish, surface wear, and historic patination contributes to their authenticity and visual richness. The present pair of horse-head finials exemplifies this tradition. Cast with proud bearing, arched necks, and attentive ears, they represent not a specific breed or individual animal, but rather the idealised equestrian type celebrated in 19th-century art and design. Their robust musculature and noble expression recall the classic bay stallion—a type favoured for its association with speed, reliability, and virility—though the foundry’s black painted finish was intended to harmonise with architectural ironwork rather than natural colouring.
The present pair is attributable to the Glasgow school influenced style designs of the Saracen Foundry of Walter Macfarlane & Co., Glasgow, whose ornamental ironwork was among the most celebrated of the late 19th century. With a global reputation, Macfarlane’s foundry supplied cast-iron statuary, architectural fittings, and decorative ornament to civic, domestic, and garden settings across Britain and the United States.
Dimensions:
- Height: 27 cm (10.6 in.)
- Width at base: 18.5 cm (7.2 in.)
- Depth: 27 cm (10.6 in.)
- Weight: 8.5 kg (18.7 lbs.) each; 17 kg (37.4 lbs.) combined
Condition:
Offered in fine old antique condition, consistent with outdoor use and age. They have been overpainted; we recommend you sand the loose paint off and repaint if desired. The pair displays paint chips, surface scuffs, scratches, rust, and patination throughout, with various areas of loose paint flaking and underlying rust. These characteristics are commensurate with their period and enhance their historic integrity.
Worldwide Shipping Available:
Expertly packed and fully insured for secure international delivery. For United Kingdom only, we offer free mainland shipping as standard. For all international customers, any customs charges, demurrage, duty, taxes are your responsibility to pay.
Condition report:
Offered in fine old antique condition, consistent with outdoor use and age. They have been overpainted; we recommend you sand the loose paint off and repaint if desired. The pair displays paint chips, surface scuffs, scratches, rust, and patination throughout, with various areas of loose paint flaking and underlying rust. These characteristics are commensurate with their period and enhance their historic integrity.
Wear Condition
Wear & Tear
Cancellations
We offer free cancellations and full refund for orders cancelled before dispatching. View full policy.
Returns
We have a 14-day return guarantee for all orders within the UK and European Union. View full policy.
Additional Delivery Info from Seller
We offer Free standard delivery to the United Kingdom & alls Islands and International destinations for small and medium sized pieces only, shipping charges are additional for large pieces please ask for a quote. We offer full online tracking provided for all United Kingdom & International deliveries we ship the with the following parcel couriers for small to medium sized items usually on a next working day delivery service DHL, DPD, Parcelforce, Fedex delivered to your door.
For large and extra large & heavy items can be delivered Aardvark Art Services via 1 man van courier to door UK mainland only the driver will need help to unload! if you require 2 persons to help carry this will incur an additional surcharge please ask for a quote.
For international buyers import duty, sales taxes, customs charges, storage fees are are additional and are the responsibility of the buyer to pay.
Estimated delivery time
Less than one week
Free collection available
Yes
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Professional Seller
5.0
(2 reviews)
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About this seller
Located in London, United Kingdom
- Selling at Vinterior since 2017
- 108 sales
- Ships from London, United Kingdom
5.0
Based on 2 reviews
Wear conditions
Excellent
Shows little to no signs of wear and tear.
Good
May show slight traces of use in keeping with age. Most vintage and antique items fit into this condition.
Average
Likely to show signs of some light scratching and ageing but still remains in a fair condition.
Apparent Wear and Tear
Visible signs of previous use including scratches, chips or stains.
Please refer to condition report, images or make a seller enquiry for additional information.
Cancellations and Returns
Last updated: 12/02/2026
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14-day return guarantee
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| Order Value (£) | Fee (£) |
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| 5,000+ | 110.00 |
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