SEATED FIGURE OF UNCLE SAM

Executed in Bremerton, Washington, circa 1925.

Allan Katz, Woodbridge, Connecticut

Good condition
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.

Edvard (Edward) Olson (1867–1956) was a Swedish seaman who began working on windjammers when he was sixteen. After emigrating to the United States, he worked for twenty-four years as a machinist at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, Washington, and earned a local reputation for his carved working ship models, which he “manned” with miniature animals and patriotic figures. In the 1930s, he carved a 66-inch long model ship complete with a sea serpent figurehead and meticulously hand-carved deck gear; this Uncle Sam and a seated Lincoln figure were made for that ship.