Antique 19th century French cow's head from a butchers shop 21¾"

This superb cow's head dates to the 19th century and is painted with a lovely brown, yellow and metallic patina. Made from zinc it was used as a sign for a butcher’s shop. It has several losses, such as at the base of the horns and on the nose, but remains a very lovely decorative piece. A very rare find.