Posted 7 years ago
Hyp-storian
(40 items)
Once again I find myself unable to resist buying something that falls outside of my "normal" area of collecting! This time it is a very large (a full 9 inches in diameter) and beautifully cast bronze plaque depicting a Native American Indian. It's clearly dated June, 1905 (both at the top center, and at the bottom where it reads: "copyright 1905 by the National Cash Register Company").
The artist's name ("Schutte") is also inscribed in the bronze (right under the last two feathers at bottom left).
A bit of online research revealed that this was given as a prize to the company's top salesman of the year. There are several fakes & forgeries out there, but they can clearly be identified by the substandard casting and total lack of exquisite detail seen on this 112 year-old original. This one even has its original built-in "stand" on the back.
Thanks for looking!
this is incredibly beautiful!
Thanks ho2cultcha- that's exactly why I was unable to resist buying it- even though, aside from its age, it's not really Art Nouveau or Art Deco related. But this is such a powerful image, and so beautifully executed and cast, that I simply "had" to have it...
I agree with ho2, hard to resist a beaute like this !
Thanks Phil- I guess most, if not all, serious collectors have the same "problem" when it comes to being unable to resist certain items that have nothing to do with what we actually collect...
; - )
I love American Indian kitch. Wish I had one!
The casting really shows top quality-- a real work of art!
scott
Signaholic,
This ORIGINAL 1905 plaque, from its intricate and finely detailed design to the highest quality casting and warm patina, isn't exactly "kitch", but the fakes and forgeries out there most certainly are (yikes). Such as the one pictures here (note the total lack of detail...!)
http://bronzehound.blogspot.com/2014/03/indian-head-plaque-another-mystery.html
There's also a brand NEW replica that's not "too" shabby, but note the similar lack of detail in the headband and the base of the feathers- which are apparently impossible to duplicate using the "lost wax" method. Nor are the feathers themselves nearly as finely done as the original. And that for $650?!
http://www.shidoni.com/html/Detail.asp?WorkInvNum=53465&artistname=%20NCR&whatpage=artist
Thanks Scott- I couldn't agree more!
Great piece. I would have snapped it up immediately if I had seen it....
Thanks welzebub, and I'm glad you DIDN'T see it before me!
; - )
Wounderful piece of American History !
Thanks Ultragator- I feel the same way!
Very nice piece Hyp-storian, I always find myself explaining to my wife, Why I had to buy it! I win most the time, but! :^) Sometimes the price I have to pay is more than $$$. LOL
Same here billretirecoll- I do believe we (collector guys) are all in the same boat...!!
For any women/wives reading my horribly insensitive comment: "I was just kidding dear!"
(whew!)
I'm just posting a plaque I bought just over a month ago. It's smaller so easier to hide. }:^) but something I couldn't pass up!
Yes indeed, smaller is safer...; - )