Statue of Liberty Committee Model (after FrÈdÈric Auguste Bartholdi, French, 1834-1904), bronzed lady liberty figure on a white metal base (made in two pieces). Marked on underside of liberty figure: "American Committee Model" and on base "Patented Nov. 5 '78 / Feb.Y. 18.79). Lady Liberty's tablet reads in relief "4th July 1776". Overall height 12" (statue 6", base 6"). Note: Statue of Liberty Committee Models were sold beginning in about 1885 through the American Committee of the Statue of Liberty as an effort to raise funds to pay for the statue's pedestal. Casts were made in 6", 12" and 36" sizes with the 12" and 36" sizes being more expensive and less frequently purchased. A number of these models were reportedly scrapped to make munitions during World Wars I and II and the number of surviving examples is unknown. Provenance: descended in the family of Eugene Castner Lewis (1845-1917), president of L & N Railroad and director general of the Tennessee Centennial Exposition. Condition: Missing torch, light wear and patination, especially to pedestal, some spikes of crown slightly bent.