Antique Bronze Matchstick Holder of a Peddler

Or best offer Saint Barbara was an early Christian martyr worshiped by mainly Catholics who face danger of sudden and violent death at work.  She is the patron saint of artillery and explosives professions, armorers and gunsmiths, military engineers, miners and tunnelers.  This statue of Saint Barbara features the main items associated with her story: the three windowed tower, a cannon and a branch. This statue of Saint Barbara is one of two known to be made as a special commissioned work for the Czech Skoda company.  Skoda started in 1859 as an arms manufacturing company, later a producer of bicycles, motorcycles, cars and trucks.  During World War 2 and Nazi Germany's occupation of Czechoslovakia, the Skoda factory was under control of Reichswerke Hermann Göring and served as producers of artillery parts, aircraft, firearms and ammunition components.  This statue is thought to be presented to the Nazi officers who controlled the company in 1942.  The statue is said to be made of artillery grade metal. The small plaque at the base reads: Skodawerke Pilsen, Kreigsjahr 1942. It is in excellent condition. Specifications: Height (with base): 51 cm Width (total): 16.5 cm Width of base: 14 cm Weight: 13.1 Kg