What is the historical significance of mid-century lead figures of British monarchs?

Mid-20th-century lead figurines depicting historical British royalty were produced as commemorative pieces, souvenirs, and educational collectibles. These sculptures drew inspiration from famous royal portraits, capturing Renaissance attire and regal posture in miniature form.

How were vintage lead sculptures traditionally constructed?

Traditional metal figurines from the early to mid-20th century were crafted by casting molten lead or lead alloy into two-part moulds. Once cooled, seam lines were hand-finished before the figures were hand-painted with enamel or oil-based pigments and mounted onto timber or plaster plinths.

How can one identify authentic 1940s lead statuettes?

Authentic mid-century lead pieces display notable physical weight relative to their size, subtle casting seam lines, and natural surface patination or paint wear. They feature hand-applied painted details and are secured to period-appropriate bases made of timber, stone, or plaster.

How can a Tudor lead sculpture be styled in a modern interior?

A small historical statuette serves as an accent piece when positioned on a library bookshelf, mantelpiece, or within a curated cabinet of curiosities. Pairing the painted metal texture with dark timber surfaces or vintage brass desk accessories highlights its historical character.

How should painted lead figurines be cleaned and preserved?

Lead objects should be handled gently, ideally with cotton gloves, and kept dry to avoid degradation. Dust the surface carefully using a soft, dry brush, and store or display the item away from direct sunlight and excessive humidity to prevent paint flaking and metal oxidisation.

for sale €2,340 $2,540

£2,000

Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd

Sellingantiques Verified Since Jan 2021

View Dealers Stock Page

About Us

Source the historic in 17th, 18th, 19th & 20th century fine arts, painting, sculptures & collectibles

Id #SA997411

PDF

SAVE

Small 1940'S Lead Sculpture Tudor King Henry VIII

Name: Small 1940'S Lead Sculpture Tudor King Henry VIII
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA997411
Price: 2000 GBP
Availability: InStock

1920 - 1940

For Sale by Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd

Description

1 Impressive Beautiful Rare Hand Painted Lead Sculpture Tudor King Henry VIII Sculpture Standing On Wooden Base.

A feature that stands out are the magnificent hand painted colours & exceptional detail to his costume.

King Henry VIII (1491-1547) ruled England for 36 years, presiding over sweeping changes that brought his nation into the Protestant Reformation. He famously married a series of six wives in his search for political alliance, marital bliss and a healthy male heir. His desire to annul his first marriage without papal approval led to the creation of a separate Church of England.

Of his marriages, two ended in annulment, two in natural deaths and two with his wives’ beheadings for adultery and treason. His children Edward VI, Mary I and Elizabeth I would each take their turn as England’s monarch.

This was produced by The London Stonecraft Co. from the lead recovered from the bombed Houses of Parliament during an air raid in 1941.

Verso on the figure is stamped 'Cast in Lead from The Houses of Parliament'.

The London Stonecraft Company were permitted to make souvenirs for sale to raise funds on behalf of HRH The Duke of Gloucester's Red Cross and St. John Fund. The objects produced included bookends, inkwells, letter racks, ashtrays and serviette rings and they utilised stone recovered from historic bombed London buildings including the House of Commons after being bombed by the Luftwaffe in the London Blitz in 1940 and 1941.

Provenance bought from a fine antiques collectors auction label underneath the base.

Heavy for its small size weighing 2.3kg unwrapped weight.

Beautifully hand cast made from lead.

It would make a fabulous collectors gift.

Circa mid 20th century 1940's.

Condition report.

Having beautiful natural charming aged patina.

Offered in fine old used worn condition with various scuffs scratches, paint chips, cracking, flaking and paint loss in places, stains & wear marks commensurate with usage & age.

International shipping worldwide is available please ask for a quote.

Viewings are welcome by appointment only for customer support please send us a message.

We offer our clients exceptional professional customer service.

Browse our intriguing other collections available in our shop gallery.

Dimensions in centimetres approximate

High (21.5cm)

Width (14.75cm)

Length depth at base (8cm)

Physical Dimensions

Height

21.5cm (8.46")

Width

14.8cm (5.83")

Depth

8cm (3.15")

Declaration

Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd has dated this Painted Lead Henry VIII Figurine to the 1940s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA997411

Dealers Internal Reference

470

Dealers Notes

Delivery shipping information

Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD ship worldwide, using fully insured and online tracked delivery services like DHL, DPD, Parcelforce or Fedex also the British Shop. We offer Free national Delivery to England mainland, Wales mainland & Scottish lowland mainland areas only.

We offer Free UK mainland delivery only, international shipping to USA, Canada, Europe. All other countries rest of the world please get in touch for a shipping quote.

Great care and much time are taken over the safe transportation of the Fine Art & Antique pieces which we sell.

We bespoke pack & wrap extremely carefully, so you can rest assured that your piece will arrive with you in great as described condition.

For larger paintings, antique furniture pieces, and fragile items which can not be sent via the normal postal services, we use professional door-to-door delivery providers, who will always strive to deliver your piece promptly, within approximate. 2-5 working days for the United Kingdom mainland & International delivery between 5-14 working days.

Returns Policy

We offer a 14-day money-back refund policy

(excluding the cost of Postage & Packaging costs & any duties, taxes customs charges paid on buyers behalf or buy the buyer direct ).

CONTACT US:

Please feel free to call us.

We have a friendly & professional team on hand who are here to help you with any queries you may have.

Tel: 07494763382

Outside the UK:

Phone or text: 0044 7494763382

PAYMENT:

Our primary payment method is by (BACS) & International bank wire transfer, we can email you an invoice with our banking details upon request. We no longer accept any Online Card or in person card payments due to payment providers charging us and not returning the processing transaction fee even if an order is fraudulent, cancelled or returned. All Item(s) will need to be settled by bank transfer only. We will email you a proforma invoice with our bank details.

Customs Payment & Brexit

Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD operates on a Delivery Duty Unpaid (DDU) basis which means that the International buyer is responsible for any import duties, taxes & customs clearance charges and any other customs charges which may be necessary to release an order from international customs.

Following the UK leaving the EU on 1st January 2021 (BREXIT) there have been some changes to customs & duty charges for EU customers. Tax and import duty varies from country to country so we recommend you check with your local tax office to see if any fees will be payable.

If the customer refuses to pay any duty and customs charges and the parcel is returned to sender all shipping charges will be deducted from any refund.

Description

1 Impressive Beautiful Rare Hand Painted Lead Sculpture Tudor King Henry VIII Sculpture Standing On Wooden Base.

“

A feature that stands out are the magnificent hand painted colours & exceptional detail to his costume.

Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd

fig 1. A small hand-painted lead statuette of King Henry VIII standing atop a rectangular dark wooden plinth. — fig 1. Small 1940'S Lead Sculpture Tudor King Henry VIII

King Henry VIII (1491-1547) ruled England for 36 years, presiding over sweeping changes that brought his nation into the Protestant Reformation. He famously married a series of six wives in his search for political alliance, marital bliss and a healthy male heir. His desire to annul his first marriage without papal approval led to the creation of a separate Church of England.

fig 2. A small hand-painted lead statuette of King Henry VIII standing atop a rectangular dark wooden plinth. — fig 2. Small 1940'S Lead Sculpture Tudor King Henry VIII

Of his marriages, two ended in annulment, two in natural deaths and two with his wives’ beheadings for adultery and treason. His children Edward VI, Mary I and Elizabeth I would each take their turn as England’s monarch.

fig 3. A small hand-painted lead statuette of King Henry VIII standing atop a rectangular dark wooden plinth. — fig 3. Small 1940'S Lead Sculpture Tudor King Henry VIII

This was produced by The London Stonecraft Co. from the lead recovered from the bombed Houses of Parliament during an air raid in 1941.

Verso on the figure is stamped 'Cast in Lead from The Houses of Parliament'.

fig 4. A small hand-painted lead statuette of King Henry VIII standing atop a rectangular dark wooden plinth. — fig 4. Small 1940'S Lead Sculpture Tudor King Henry VIII

The London Stonecraft Company were permitted to make souvenirs for sale to raise funds on behalf of HRH The Duke of Gloucester's Red Cross and St. John Fund. The objects produced included bookends, inkwells, letter racks, ashtrays and serviette rings and they utilised stone recovered from historic bombed London buildings including the House of Commons after being bombed by the Luftwaffe in the London Blitz in 1940 and 1941.

fig 5. A small hand-painted lead statuette of King Henry VIII standing atop a rectangular dark wooden plinth. — fig 5. Small 1940'S Lead Sculpture Tudor King Henry VIII

Provenance bought from a fine antiques collectors auction label underneath the base.

Heavy for its small size weighing 2.3kg unwrapped weight.

Beautifully hand cast made from lead.

It would make a fabulous collectors gift.

fig 6. A small hand-painted lead statuette of King Henry VIII standing atop a rectangular dark wooden plinth. — fig 6. Small 1940'S Lead Sculpture Tudor King Henry VIII

Circa mid 20th century 1940's.

Condition report.

Having beautiful natural charming aged patina.

Offered in fine old used worn condition with various scuffs scratches, paint chips, cracking, flaking and paint loss in places, stains & wear marks commensurate with usage & age.