Baron Walter von Richthofen was born in the province of Silesia, Germany in 1850. He served in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-71, and was uncle to the famed "Red Baron" of WWI fame. He came to Denver in 1877, where he founded the town of Montclair. It was platted in 1885, incorporated in 1888, and annexed by the city of Denver in 1902.

The baron built a castle in Denver, modeled after his home in Silesia. It was completed in 1887 and still stands at 7020 East 12th Avenue. It was built of rhyolite, quarried near Castle Rock. The original bronze gargoyle was one of a pair on wrought iron stands 7 feet tall which were located by the main entrance. They were plumbed for gas and later altered for electricity. Wear from the lantern ring shows on the lower jaw.

These are bronze casts made from a mold taken directly from the original.

• Height without walnut base.........13 1/2"

• Diameter at base................2 1/2"

• Maximum wing spread.....10 1/4"

• Raw bronze for natural aging...........$810

• Black patina...............$860

• Black and green lacquer patina..........$920

• Walnut base.......$65