Decorative ornament - Ramskop - Bok Cast Iron

decorative metal object in the shape of a ram's head (bock or goat head) with large, spiral horns. It evokes the bokkenrijders or Satan's regard

It is probably a wall decoration from the late 19th or early 20th century.

Features
• Material: Cast iron or bronze with a dark, aged patina and bronze/gold highlights on the details (fur, horns, face). This is a typical finish for antique or vintage cast-iron pieces.
• Form: Realistically modeled with textured fur, ears, snout and a beard-like protrusion at the bottom with a hole in it.

• Mark: On the back there is a stamped mark that resembles “H.B.” (or something similar) followed by “99”. This is probably a foundry or model number. Such marks are common in European (French, English or German) foundries from that period.

Use and context
Such ram heads were popular as:
• Door knockers
• Wall ornaments in rural, hunting or neoclassical interiors
• Sometimes as a hook or holder

The piece has a nice, authentic look with wear that suits its age.