GREY HOUNDJ. HOWARD & CO. | Grey HoundJ. Howard & Co.

Ken and Ida Manko, Welles, Maine;
Steve Miller, American Folk Art, New York.

Tom Geismar and Harvey Kahn, Spiritually Moving:  A Collection of American Folk Art Sculpture (New York: Harry N. Abrams, 1998) cat. no. 27, illus. in color.

Wear and discoloration throughout. Likely a later treatment of the gilt surface. Few old cracks or splits to the seams. The tail was previously cracked and resoldered at two locations, one at the junction with the body and the other approximately halfway to the tip of the tail.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Greyhounds are speedy sight hounds that were traditionally used for hunting or coursing- overtaking and turning- deer and rabbits. Greyhound racing, with which the breed is primarily associated today, did not develop until the 1920s.  Howard advertised a "swelled" (three-dimensional) "Grey Hound" in its wholesale price list and offered the vane for $16. Although it does not carry Howard's stamp, this vane's elegant form and emblematic cast zinc and molded copper construction identify it as one of the company's products.

This is the only Howard hound known in original condition and one of the most impressive and appealing of all American dog vanes.