Pair Collection Francaise Distressed Spelter Figures Peasant Couple J.B. Hirsch

Created by a company that used French-style molds (hence Collection Française) but manufactured the pieces in the United States. The most prominent company associated with this specific mark is J.B. Hirsch Co., often using the Collection Francaise name for their line of decorative items. (marked 5-5-76) This specific line was popular from the mid-20th century (roughly the 1940s through the 1960s). The heavy material is most likely Spelter (also called pot metal or white metal), which is an alloy of zinc, lead, and sometimes other metals. This material is heavy like cast iron, but easier to cast into detailed, full-round figures. The paint loss is common, as these pieces were often "cold painted" or finished with a thin layer to mimic bronze or other materials. (13" Tall) The figures are replicas or inspired pieces based on earlier, valuable French sculptures, particularly those by renowned 19th-century artists like Mathurin Moreau or Louis Auguste Moreau.