End of the Trail (Figural Bookend/Paperweight)
Decorative Accessory (Bookend/Statue) · American Western Frontier Art (Post-1894 Original) · Based on the 1894 sculpture by James Earle Fraser; various manufacturers like PM Craftsman or Dodge Inc. produced similar versions.
Type
Decorative Accessory (Bookend/Statue)
Style Period
American Western Frontier Art (Post-1894 Original)
Material
Cast metal, likely brass, bronze-plated white metal, or spelter with a brown patina.
Age Estimate
Likely Mid-20th Century (circa 1940-1970) based on finish wear and casting style.
Dimensions
Approximately 4-6 inches high, 3-4 inches wide, and 2 inches deep; standard table-top or shelf-size accessory.
Origin
United States; iconic American Western motif depicting a weary Native American on horseback.
Designer/Maker
Based on the 1894 sculpture by James Earle Fraser; various manufacturers like PM Craftsman or Dodge Inc. produced similar versions.
Value Estimate
General market value: $25 - $75 for a single decorative cast of this quality; significantly higher if part of a signed, solid bronze pair.
Description
An evocative miniature representation of 'End of the Trail,' featuring a slumped Native American figure on an exhausted horse. The piece captures themes of defeat and the closing of the American frontier in a compact, sculptural form suitable for a library or study.
Key Features
Depiction of a bowed figure, downward-sloping horse head, integral rectangular base, and the distinctive rounded shoulders of the rider.
Color & Finish
Antiqued bronze finish with significant surface wear. The finish shows a darkened brown patina with highlights where metal is exposed.
Construction Method
Cast-mold process; likely mass-produced as a functional or decorative souvenir rather than a hand-sculpted bronze.
Joinery & Craftsmanship
Cast as a single unit or joined to base via internal screws; the level of detail is modest, typical of mid-century household reproductions.
Wood Grain & Species
N/A (Metallic composition)
Surface Treatment
Chemical patina or copper-wash finish; the surface shows 'lost wax' style texture but is likely a sand-casting.
Upholstery Details
N/A (Non-upholstered decorative object)
Hardware & Fittings
Integrated flat base for stability; no mechanical drawer pulls or hinges present.
Origin & Provenance
United States; iconic American Western motif depicting a weary Native American on horseback.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Significant wear to original plating on high points (knees, horse's back). No visible structural cracks, but surface finish is heavily aged.
Interesting Facts
The original 17-foot original plaster sculpture was a sensation at the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition in San Francisco.
Cultural Significance
Historically significant as a symbol of the 'vanishing' Native American trope common in early 20th-century American art and public sentiment.
Similar Pieces
Often confused with Frederic Remington's 'The Bronco Buster,' which features a much more upright and active horse and rider.
Care & Maintenance
Dust with a soft dry cloth. Avoid abrasive metal cleaners which could strip remaining patina. If copper-based, a light coat of microcrystalline wax may prevent further oxidation.
Value Estimate
General market value: $25 - $75 for a single decorative cast of this quality; significantly higher if part of a signed, solid bronze pair.
Sustainability Notes
High durability and longevity; as a vintage item, it represents a sustainable choice through reuse rather than new manufacture.