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old Solid cast iron animal figure that resembles a donkey or mule in appearance. Stands about 11.5 inches in height, and 11 inches in length, and weighs over 14lbs. Very unique in that it's head will nod back and forth as it is made with a round bolt through the neck portion so that the head can move up and down. I have seen a few of these similar in the past, however all were cast iron banks, not and not this heavy or large, and I have never seen one with the wire tail. I recently learned one did surface on the website 1stdibs.com without the tail, and it had a price over one thousand dollars on it. This one is not a bank, my only other thought would be possibly a door stop. It does have what appears to be the original old wire tail still attached as shown.
Was found by a man about 30 years ago at an old flea market in the states of Texas in a town very close to the Mexican border. After his passing his wife sold it to me.
Hi Bryan,
Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.
I've seen this described as a novelty figure for the Democratic party, a toy and as a doorstop. Unfortunately, no one has identified the maker but it's probably made in the US in the late 19th Century. Although the photo showing the tail is blurry, it appears to be a later replacement after the original one broke. It negatively impacts the value.
Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:
A cast iron red polychromed nodding-head donkey figure
Unattributed American maker, late 19th Century
With nodding head, red-painted surface and replaced wire tail.
Approximately 11 1/2 inches high, 11 inches long
CONDITION: paint in excellent original condition; replaced wire tail.
PROVENANCE: acquired from a gentleman near the Texas-Mexico border about 30 years ago
$150-200*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.
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