I believe this bust was cast shortly after the Civil War. When my grandfather gave it to me (late 1980s) he told me a long story about these busts being popular after the war. He was given the bust by his aunt in the late 1920s.
The bust is in very good condition. It doesn't have any dings or cracks. There is an olive color on the outside, the photos don't really capture how green it is. On the inside it is silver, almost the color of solder. I have never attempted any cleaning of the piece. Looking on the inside it looks like several seams are soldered together and looking at the outside it looks like it may have been made in pieces and then soldered together. There are no logos or other identifying marks that I can find. The name Sherman is cast just above the base.
Re: General Sherman Bust
Hi.
I also have this same exact bust of Sherman. Mine has a bottom tacked on on . It is in excellent condition...I recieved mine thru a museam auction. From there Civil war Lincoln collection. Any Idea what they are worth. & yes I would be interested in selling mine :)
Thank you ,
Joe
Re: General Sherman Bust
Based on the images and the description of the color inside it , this bust was cast of "Spelter" a zinc alloy that was often used in blace of bronze( far cheaper) and then given a bronze finish. Inmany cases this bronze finish was not very durable and wore off with repeated polishing. Most Civil War Busts date from the turn of the 19th century through the 1920's and were sold during anniversary dates of major battles, births and deaths of famous Generals etc. At auction comparable busts generally sell for under $200.00.