The bronze model for the Tyler Davidson Fountain is now in the Cincinnati Museum of Art. It was presented to Henry Probasco by Ferdinand von Miller in the summer of 1867 (possibly when the two met briefly in Paris), shortly after acceptance by the City of Cincinnati of the gift of a fountain and before settling of a contract between Herr von Miller and Mr. Probasco. A plaster model on a smaller scale also existed but is now lost. Its design survives in a photograph formerly held by the August von Kreling family and now in the Kulturegeschite Museum of Osnabrück. In the plaser model, the outer "drinking fountain" figures desired by Mr. Probasco have a gnome or elf-like appearance.

This substiantial bronse model was shipped to Henry Probasco's home in Cincinnati after he reviewed it. It eventually was placed out of doors for several years and has been refinished. It is uncertain if the model's dark patina matches the original or reflects any intention of von Miller for the actual fountain. All knowledge of Ferdinand von Miller's intention in the finish of his bronze castings indicates a taste for bright or slightly subdued natural bronze color.

In the cube containing four medallions under the figure of the Genius of the Waters, which is blank in the model, Ferdinand von Miller suggested portrait reliefs of Tyler Davidson as well of Henry Probasco. Probasco requested instead the letters now on the fountain dedicating it to the people of Cincinnati as well as his friend. Tyler Davidson.