Lot 238: Polychrome Paint Decorated Cast Zinc Tobacconist “Rising Star” Trade Figure
Polychrome Paint Decorated Cast Zinc Tobacconist “Rising Star” Trade Figure
Attributed to William Demuth (German/American 1835–1911) rare figure depicting a Native American woman in theatrical attire, wearing a short, patriotically colored costume with high button boots, rather than traditional dress, suggesting a stage performer, retaining old paint, American, New York, circa 1874
Overall height 79 inches
Provenance: From the Collection of the General Cigar Company acquired by the Cullman family
Literature: An example is pictured in Illustrated Catalogue of Smokers’ Articles and Show Figures Manufactured and Imported by Wm. Demuth & Co., 1875, no. 62. A facsimile is reproduced by Frederick Fried in Artists in Wood: American Carvers of Cigar-Store Indians, Show Figures and Circus Wagons (NY: Bramhall House, 1970), p. 48, fig. 31.
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Estimate: $15000- $30000
Auction Date: April 25, 2026
