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ID #SA1029004
FOR SALE
£1,295
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Mid-19th Century Sicilian Marionette
For sale by The House of Antiques
for sale €1,515     $1,645
£1,295
The House of Antiques

The House of Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Nov 2022
Browse dealers 140 items
Id #SA1029004
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Mid-19th Century Sicilian Marionette

19th century
Description

Mid-19th Century Sicilian Marionette Knight with Sheild

A mid to late 19th Century hand carved Sicilian marionette knight puppet/marionette. Still wearing all in brass armour and silk clothing. Made from carved pine sections and full articulated. Still holding a sword and shield which is rare. Still firmly attached to a cast iron rod pole, A lovely example that belongs in a museum in our humble opinion.

Origin: Italy

Material: Pine and Brass

Age: 1860 - 1900

Size: Height 50” x Width 13” x Depth 9”

Condition Report

Naturally aged items, that has stood the test of time. Wear and tear across the whole item. The wooden sections have worn at the feet, hands and face as shown. The brass sections have a deep patina and are worn in all areas. An aged well used item so please expect this to be reflected in the condition. Some of the brass armour has been attached by new sting so maintain its look. Some of this brass detail is missing in areas also.

Its exceedingly difficult to photograph all the areas of these pieces, therefore we strongly suggest reviewing all the photos provided as part of this advert and propose questions where sections are unclear to avoid disappointment upon purchase.

For multiple years we have sold antique and vintage items globally, please expect our items to show relevant age and natural wear, Items are only restored due to breaks and loss, and we always stipulate this in our condition report.

Physical Dimensions
Height
127cm (50.00")
Width
33cm (12.99")
Depth
22.9cm (9.02")
Declaration

The House of Antiques has dated this Sicilian Knight Marionette Puppet to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1029004
Dealers Internal Reference
puppet
Description
Mid-19th Century Sicilian Marionette Knight with Sheild

A mid to late 19th Century hand carved Sicilian marionette knight puppet/marionette. Still wearing all in brass armour and silk clothing. Made from carved pine sections and full articulated. Still holding a sword and shield which is rare.

“
Still firmly attached to a cast iron rod pole, A lovely example that belongs in a museum in our humble opinion.
The House of Antiques
fig 1. A nineteenth-century Sicilian marionette depicting an armoured knight holding a sword and shield, crafted from carved wood and embossed metal.
fig 1. Mid-19th Century Sicilian Marionette

Origin: Italy

Material: Pine and Brass

Age: 1860 - 1900

Size: Height 50” x Width 13” x Depth 9”

Condition Report

Naturally aged items, that has stood the test of time. Wear and tear across the whole item. The wooden sections have worn at the feet, hands and face as shown. The brass sections have a deep patina and are worn in all areas. An aged well used item so please expect this to be reflected in the condition. Some of the brass armour has been attached by new sting so maintain its look. Some of this brass detail is missing in areas also.

fig 2. A nineteenth-century Sicilian marionette depicting an armoured knight holding a sword and shield, crafted from carved wood and embossed metal.
fig 2. Mid-19th Century Sicilian Marionette

Its exceedingly difficult to photograph all the areas of these pieces, therefore we strongly suggest reviewing all the photos provided as part of this advert and propose questions where sections are unclear to avoid disappointment upon purchase.

fig 3. A nineteenth-century Sicilian marionette depicting an armoured knight holding a sword and shield, crafted from carved wood and embossed metal.
fig 3. Mid-19th Century Sicilian Marionette

For multiple years we have sold antique and vintage items globally, please expect our items to show relevant age and natural wear, Items are only restored due to breaks and loss, and we always stipulate this in our condition report.

Height
127cm (50.00")
Width
33cm (12.99")
Depth
22.9cm (9.02")
Date of Manufacture

The House of Antiques has dated this Sicilian Knight Marionette Puppet to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1029004
Dealers Internal Ref
puppet
The House of Antiques
The House of Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Nov 2022
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the The House of Antiques Profile Page

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A nineteenth-century Sicilian marionette depicting an armoured knight holding a sword and shield, crafted from carved wood and embossed metal.
1 / 11
Archive I A nineteenth-century Sicilian marionette depicting an armoured knight holding a sword and shield, crafted from carved wood and embossed metal.

Mid-19th Century Sicilian Marionette

Archive II A nineteenth-century Sicilian marionette depicting an armoured knight holding a sword and shield, crafted from carved wood and embossed metal. View II
Archive III A nineteenth-century Sicilian marionette depicting an armoured knight holding a sword and shield, crafted from carved wood and embossed metal. View III
Archive IV A nineteenth-century Sicilian marionette depicting an armoured knight holding a sword and shield, crafted from carved wood and embossed metal. View IV
Archive V A nineteenth-century Sicilian marionette depicting an armoured knight holding a sword and shield, crafted from carved wood and embossed metal. View V
Archive VI A nineteenth-century Sicilian marionette depicting an armoured knight holding a sword and shield, crafted from carved wood and embossed metal. View VI
Archive VII A nineteenth-century Sicilian marionette depicting an armoured knight holding a sword and shield, crafted from carved wood and embossed metal. View VII
Archive VIII A nineteenth-century Sicilian marionette depicting an armoured knight holding a sword and shield, crafted from carved wood and embossed metal. View VIII
Archive IX A nineteenth-century Sicilian marionette depicting an armoured knight holding a sword and shield, crafted from carved wood and embossed metal. View IX
Archive X A nineteenth-century Sicilian marionette depicting an armoured knight holding a sword and shield, crafted from carved wood and embossed metal. View X
Archive XI A nineteenth-century Sicilian marionette depicting an armoured knight holding a sword and shield, crafted from carved wood and embossed metal. View XI
Enlarged Archival View
Telephone 07568 151 752
Location
22 Goodmayes Lane
Ilford
Essex
IG3 9NZ
United Kingdom
Verified Since Nov 2022
Items For Sale 140
Items Sold 11
The House of Antiques
The House of Antiques
Verified Since Nov 2022
View Dealer Info
Location: 22 Goodmayes Lane, Ilford, Essex, IG3 9NZ, United Kingdom
Verified
Nov 2022
For Sale
140
Sold
11
A nineteenth-century Sicilian marionette depicting an armoured knight holding a sword and shield, crafted from carved wood and embossed metal.
Mid-19th Century Sicilian Marionette
Ref: SA1029004
A nineteenth-century Sicilian marionette depicting an armoured knight holding a sword and shield, crafted from carved wood and embossed metal.
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Archival Detail
Every single antique dealer on our platform is individually approved by our internal team. We verify their professional trade history, ethical standards, and photographic quality to ensure a secure, high-standard buying environment. Upon joining, every dealer agrees to a strict 9-point code of conduct. While issues can occasionally arise, our dealers typically resolve them swiftly and directly with the buyer. In fact, since our founding in 2002, Sellingantiques has only had to step in to help resolve an issue on roughly five occasions—a true testament to the quality of our dealers and their dedication to your happiness.
Our dealers are highly experienced in packing and shipping fragile, high-value antiques. Because you are in direct contact with the dealer, you will be able to easily go through all available shipping and insurance options together to ensure your item arrives safely.
Antiques are the ultimate green purchase. By choosing historical pieces over newly manufactured goods, you completely eliminate the carbon footprint of modern mass production while preserving exceptional, timeless craftsmanship.
Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectMarionettes & Puppets
  • Period19th century
  • StyleSicilian Folk Art
  • MaterialCarved Wood, Embossed Metal, Iron
  • ColourDark Bronze
  • MotifsArmoured knight motif, Embossed shield, Hand-painted wooden face, Articulated limbs
  • SizeH 127 cm (50 in) x W 33 cm (13 in) x D 22.9 cm (9 in)

This mid-19th century Sicilian marionette depicts an armoured knight holding a sword and shield, styled in the folk art tradition. The puppet is constructed from hand-carved pine sections, brass armour, silk clothing, and an iron hanging rod, finished with a dark bronze coloration and a deep patina. Visible details include a hand-painted wooden face with pink and red tones, articulated limbs, embossed metal mouldings on the heavy shield, and wear on the wooden feet, hands, and face alongside missing brass sections and new string attachments. The marionette measures 127 cm high by 33 cm wide and 22.9 cm deep overall. In a modern interior, this piece suits display along narrow wall spaces or hallways where its vertical hanging rod can be secured. It functions well as a decorative focal point within a maximalist interior scheme, positioned safely away from heavy traffic while remaining visible to appreciate the traditional Sicilian knight motifs and historical folk art workmanship.

An Opera dei Pupi marionette is a traditional theatrical puppet originating in Sicily during the early nineteenth century, primarily depicting medieval knights and historical figures from chivalric epic literature.

These puppets were constructed with hand-carved wooden heads and articulated limbs, fitted over an internal frame and dressed in hand-embossed metal plate armour made from brass, copper, or iron.

Authentic pieces feature a solid iron rod attached to the head for primary manipulation rather than traditional overhead strings, accompanied by hand-hammered metal armour showing natural oxidisation and patination.

Display the marionette on a bespoke metal stand or mount it vertically on a wall in a study, hallway, or library to serve as a dramatic focal point.

Keep the figure in a stable indoor climate away from humidity and direct sunlight, dust gentle areas with a soft microfibre brush, and avoid applying liquid polishes to painted surfaces.
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