Folk Art Whirligig, Whale, Man in Tin Hat Cranking Propeller
New England, Circa 1880 to 1890
Anonymous

Wood, tin and paint, tin can hat, carved, very good condition
A black man (probably a slave) standing atop the large sperm whale cranks the large
propeller shaft as the overseer appears to be raising a switch. The imagery may speak
to the system of oppression that evolved within the 19th century whale fishery. Whaling
ports were refuge for runaway slaves who sometimes enlisted on a whaling vessel to
avoid capture. The Nantucket and New Bedford whale fisheries (Naming just two ports)
employed large numbers of sailors of color after slavery was abolished; also, Cape
Verdeans and Azoreans that arrived on whaling ships from their home ports. An
unfortunate history to say the least! Very good original condition call for
details. (Dimensions: 34.5” H by 52” W by 31” D.)
$13,950
608-24

Whirligigs, Pair of Goateed Men, Tin & Wood Hat, Original Paint, Dry Patina
Discovered on Cape Cod, Circa 1890-1910
Anonymous

A pair of lanky sculptural compositions, each positioned with slight bend to knees,
defined hips and buttocks. These brothers sold with custom fabricated tapered display
risers. Ex Giampietro, AAAWT, Private collection. Both figures remain in original
condition; one figure missing hat, all else fine. (Dimensions: each 31.5” overall height)
$6,900
608-9






Whirligig, Man with Tin Hat, Original Condition and Surface History
American, 19th Century

(Overall H: 25.25")
$3,200
1111-21




Whirligig, Folk Art,
Original Painted Surface History
Anonymous, circa 1900
Pine and oak…very nice surface history

The important elements of this fragment are complete including ears made of rubber.
This gent wears blue coat and pants, red shoes…blue eyes and painted eyebrows.
(Height: 12.5")





$1,275.00
710-45
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