- 1446
ELEPHANT WALKING: JOHN M. DYCKMAN BOOTS AND SHOES
Estimate
150,000 - 200,000 USD
bidding is closed
Description
- Carved and painted wood trade sign
- 57 by 82 1/2 by 1 1/2 in.
Executed in Peekskill, New York, circa 1882-1885.
Provenance
David Wheatcroft Antiques, Westborough, Massachusetts;
Christie's, New York, Important American Furniture, Silver, Prints and Folk Art, October 9, 2002, lot 205;
Barbara Gordon Collection;
Private Collection, Peekskill, New York
Christie's, New York, Important American Furniture, Silver, Prints and Folk Art, October 9, 2002, lot 205;
Barbara Gordon Collection;
Private Collection, Peekskill, New York
Condition
the front with some visible paint drips; part of banner and staff unpainted; with paint losses and areas of repair and repaint throughout, but generally in very good condition; the back with significant inpainting, with some chips and losses to extremities.
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.
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.
Catalogue Note
Prior to the advent of general public education and literacy, proprietors relied on trade signs to indicate trade services as well as provide eye-catching imagery to attract business to his shop. By tradition, this large double-sided sign hung outside John Dyckman's shop for Boots and Shoes, located in Peekskill, New York and was likely inspired by circus elephants like the famous "Dumbo." As New York became the center of the American circus business starting in the early nineteenth century, elephants became an increasingly popular motif. The Elephant Inn in nearby Sommers, New York (now Sommers Town Hall) had a stone carved elephant on a pedestal in front of the hotel.
This eye-catching trade sign was almost certainly inspired by the legendary circus elephant Jumbo, whom P. T. Barnum brought to New York in 1882. Jumbo, the first and largest African elephant shown in European zoos, was captured as an infant in 1862 and spent more than sixteen years at the London Zoo before Barnum purchased him. Barnum’s purchase—he paid $10,000, the equivalent of nearly $250,000 today—caused an international sensation, and British and American entrepreneurs featured Jumbo in a wide variety of humorous trade cards advertising everything from soap to thread. One such ad, which may have directly influenced this sign, depicts Jumbo running across the desert in leather boots.
This eye-catching trade sign was almost certainly inspired by the legendary circus elephant Jumbo, whom P. T. Barnum brought to New York in 1882. Jumbo, the first and largest African elephant shown in European zoos, was captured as an infant in 1862 and spent more than sixteen years at the London Zoo before Barnum purchased him. Barnum’s purchase—he paid $10,000, the equivalent of nearly $250,000 today—caused an international sensation, and British and American entrepreneurs featured Jumbo in a wide variety of humorous trade cards advertising everything from soap to thread. One such ad, which may have directly influenced this sign, depicts Jumbo running across the desert in leather boots.