The horse heads are made of cast iron, each was originally cast in two halves � a seam is just visible along the back of each mane. The quality of the casting is very good and the details of the manes, eyes and even facial blood vessels are clear. The bit rings are in good order & still move freely. They have been painted gloss black, there are a few very small chips in the paint. There are defects around their bases, presumably from when they were removed from their posts or pillars.
Christies sold a very similar white painted pair in 1999 for £2500. They described them asA pair of English white-painted cast-iron horse head tethering-post finials Circa 1870. Each with two rings in its mouth, on a circular base 10 in. (26 cm.) high. (ViewHere )
They stand 10½ inches (26cm) high, the bases measure 6 inches (15cm) x 5 ¾ inches (14.5cm) and they are very heavy
