TIN? SUIT OF ARMOR STATUE WITH SERIAL NUMBER?

I found this - it's about 5' tall & I believe made of tin or other thin metal.
But it has a serial number or auction number on the back lower base - what was this for/what does it mean? Is this something special I'm not seeing?
Thanks!

 

just a statue someone made...likely with their social insurance number...
an auction house would put a tag on it....not scrawl a number...
That zulu basket is nice.....4 a nice price !!!

 

One too many digits for an SS#, and it breaks in the wrong places

 

Many were made in Mexico in the 60/70's....... https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Li...ight-in-Armour-Statue-Sculpture-/392413364152

 

I thought it was a snake charmer's basket!

 

too small....unless it's for an asp.....

look up zulu beer basket..

 

Thank you komokwa

 

The owner of the shop I was in (closed two years ago) used to sell similar.....I think they came in a couple of sizes, but not sure.

He bought them from this company.
https://www.upperdeckltd.com/why-register/?r=48&wcm_redirect_to=page&wcm_redirect_id=48

You can peruse their catalogue to see if they are still being offered.

I forget what they sold for, but around a couple hundred dollars.....and they always sold.

 

It looks like he was holding something at one time. A lance?