North America, United States, ca. 19th to early 20th century CE. A massive wooden carnival lion made from planks of wood with painted features. He stands on an integral green plinth with a ball playfully placed under his front paw. The lion is presented in profile, and painted on both sides, in naturalistic sandy brown hues with black and red outlining his lush mane and face. This enormous lion was discovered in Florida, a place where many circuses would wait out the winter months before continuing their travel circuit. This lion may have served as an enticing sign for these traveling circuses such as Ringling Brothers or Barnum and Bailey’s. Such a hefty wooden piece may have been cast aside once neon light signs became more widely available. A special piece! Size: 60" L x 3" W x 54" H (152.4 cm x 7.6 cm x 137.2 cm)

Provenance: private New Jersey, USA collection, acquired in 2015; ex Skinner Auctions; ex-Alvin and Annie Schlesinger collection

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#163548

Chipping and active flaking of paint. Portion of tail without paint is a newer repair and replacement piece of wood. Surface abrasions as shown. Stable fissures and cracks. Chips and nicks to high pointed areas. Massive size!