Pig sticking. An unusual old figural group showing horseman and hog.

An unusual model of Indian pig sticking showing an Indian horseman in the act of spearing a wild boar, On a silver plated oval base, 11 x 9 cm., on which is mounted a group comprising a rearing horse with it fore legs on the back of hog and a small Indian figure with his spear in the hog’s neck. The overall height is approximately 13cm. The top of the spear is bent at the back and one small hanging group of small balls is lacking but, on the whole, the group is in good condition for such an old souvenir. It appears to be made of silver plate and we thing probably late 19th century. We are not sure of the intended nature of the horseman but he has something of a cartoon appearance. Pig sticking was hugely popular with cavalrymen, both Indian and British and is frequently shown in printings and prints but figural groups must be scarce.  jun23/2