A rare French copper patinated zinc figure entitled " la liberte eclairant le monde" or " The Statue of Liberty", cast after the model by Auguste Frederic Bartholdi ( 1834-1904). Inscribed Bartholdi/1875, Registered in Washington 31 August 1876 No 9939 G, "D", and with foundry marks AVOIRON 97 .
Measurements: 16"H ( zinc statue only) 17.5" total including the 1 1/2" high wood base.
Avoiron's Liberty Enlightening the World was an authorized reduction of perhaps the most famous statue in the world, Liberty Enlightening the World, modeled by Auguste Bartholdi (1834-1904). As early as 1878, Avoiron et Cie (56, Avenue Voltaire in Paris) was authorized by the sculptor to make copper-plated cast-zinc statues based on Bartholdi's four-foot high modele d'etude. The purpose of the Avoiron casts was to raise funds for the monumental statue in New York harbor. Avoiron acquired a partner named Clement in 1881, and the firm then became known as Avoiron et Clement. It continued production until 1886, and it is estimated that as many as three hundred statues were made in four sizes. Each size is identified by a letter from A through D for 4-foot, 3-foot, 2-foot, and 16-inch high statues respectively. The present lot is indicated with the letter D. Each letter is followed by a number, the present one is numbered 97. Statues were generally fitted with gas or electric lamps instead of metal flames.The ebonized circular wood base seems to be the original base.

Good age-appropriate condition, with age related copper plating loss and a fissure in the middle of the raised right arm, which is stable; the arm is not detached. Also, an old professional repair ( minor re-soldering) to the top of the torch.