Antique 19th century French silvered bronze figural wax seal / desk stamp. Finely casted with superb detail, depicting a bearded warrior with elaborate Greek helmet. On the helmet is a representation of the conflict of Hercules with the Centaurs. The bust represents the Greek mythological figure of Menelaus, king of Mycenaean Sparta and husband of Helen of Troy. Resting on a bronze or brass base with engraved matrix of interlaced initials BA or AB. In overall good condition with general wear commensurate with age and use. Solid and heavy piece with a good weight in hand. Stands 2 3/4" tall.
Menelaus in Greek mythology, king of Sparta and younger son of Atreus, king of Mycenae; the abduction of his wife, Helen, led to the Trojan War. During the war Menelaus served under his elder brother Agamemnon, the commander in chief of the Greek forces. When Phrontis, one of his crewmen, was killed, Menelaus delayed his voyage until the man had been buried, thus giving evidence of his strength of character. After the fall of Troy, Menelaus recovered Helen and brought her home. Menelaus was a prominent figure in the Iliad and the Odyssey, where he was promised a place in Elysium after his death because he was married to a daughter of Zeus.
Menelaus in Greek mythology, king of Sparta and younger son of Atreus, king of Mycenae; the abduction of his wife, Helen, led to the Trojan War. During the war Menelaus served under his elder brother Agamemnon, the commander in chief of the Greek forces. When Phrontis, one of his crewmen, was killed, Menelaus delayed his voyage until the man had been buried, thus giving evidence of his strength of character. After the fall of Troy, Menelaus recovered Helen and brought her home. Menelaus was a prominent figure in the Iliad and the Odyssey, where he was promised a place in Elysium after his death because he was married to a daughter of Zeus.