Posted 8 years ago
charles116
(8 items)
The heyday of Carnival Chalkware - for collectors anyway, is between 1920-
1950. In the 1920's, Comic strip characters, Circus themes (Elephants), Kewpies and vamps were most popular. After 1930, Screen and radio Stars entered the picture too. The 1940's brought war related chalkware of soldiers, sailors, and pin-ups.
Charlie McCarthy, King Kong , Shirley Temple, Betty Boop, and the Lone Ranger were popular. As you can see, Mae West was represented in dozens of versions, some crudely done and this one rather high end; better sculpted, painted and glittered than most. And much heavier weight wise. She's 13" tall. While pieces depicting sailors, Rin Tin Tin,
and even Kong, have depreciated in value, the Mae Wests maintain their high appeal as most collectible. Ooooooh!
Adorable!
Love those old carnival pieces . Lots of history with them and fun to collect .
She was an ebay purchase, like all the others
what a great piece!! best Mae West carnival prize i've seen!
She has a fully incised signature on back J.Y. JENKINS
Date 1946, and location Venice CA.