APPRAISER: You have a wonderful bronze here. It's by the French artist named Pierre-Jules Mene. P.J. Mene was one of the leading sculptors of the 19th century. He was called an animalier, who specialize in sculptures of animals. He was also self-taught, and he would go to the zoos and observe animals and sketch them and then make these sculpture groups. He was also a great business man, unlike most artists. He had his own foundry, he actually had a catalog. He exhibited quite a bit and won many medals. This particular sculpture was exhibited in the salon of 1852 and was of two known thoroughbred horses. This is an original one. At almost every Roadshow, I see this group as a reproduction.
GUEST: Ah.
APPRAISER: And usually in smaller versions, so it's wonderful to see an original piece of this quality, with this patina, with this fine casting, that's very clearly signed here. Now, did you tell me how much you paid for this?
GUEST: Yeah, $400.
APPRAISER: At auction, this would bring between $20,000 and $30,000.
GUEST: Oh! I am very happy!
APPRAISER: Good.
GUEST: Good, that's great!
APPRAISER: Great, thanks for coming in. Thank you.
GUEST: Ah! I didn't know it was that much! Thanks! (laughing)
