Perseus Statue Identification Request, Please

Recently found this at a local flea market and think it looks so cool, but can find little information about it (who it is, what it's made of, where was it made, etc...). The figurine is about 7 inches tall and appears to be made of spelter (not brass or bronze). I am guessing it is likely Perseus since there is a representation of Medusa on his shield, but aside from that I have no idea about anything else about it. ANY info shared would be greatly appreciated and Thank You for your insights.

 

Apollo with the Aegis?

 

A putto engaged in playing at being a warrior, or the genius of a hero. If the blade of his weapon has not snapped off, you are probably correct that the reference is to the hero Perseus, although artists have also placed the Gorgon's severed head (gorgoneion) on the shields of other notable figures from mythology.

The helmet may hold more clues to what the artist had in mind. What does the crest look like seen from the side? Is anything embossed on it anywhere?

Off the top of my head, Clodion comes to mind.

 

Thanks Bronwen, here are some additional pictures. Thanks!

 

Does the helmet have what could be a sphinx crouching on top of it?

 

The image on the shield owes something to Caravaggio: