Featured in this lot is a bronze sculpture called "A New Champion" circa 1977, from Montana artist, Les Welliver, who was born in 1920 and died in 1989. The sculpture is wonderfully and professionally crafted bronze and hardwood construction featuring a mare with her foal standing in front of her. The bronze is marked '22/30 and Les Welliver' on the base of the bronze. The plaque on the front of the shield is titled "A New Champion" and is by Les Welliver. Les Welliver (1920-1989) was a contemporary American Western sculptor born in North Dakota who lived and worked in Kalispell, Montana. Welliver was best known for his wood carvings of Indians and his Western themed wildlife bronze sculptures. The condition of this bronze sculpture is good with no obvious signs of damage. The measurements of this bronze is 12" x 16" x 8".*