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The Chicken Chopper Mechanical Masterpiece

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Anonymous Maker The Chicken Chopper, Ohio, c. 1920's (a newspaper fragment, dated 1921, was found attached to the inside of the tree trunk below). Amusement park attraction. When the wheel is turned the man raises his axe and chops the neck of the chicken. Then the man's head turns and his mouth opens and he stands up straight. This is absolutely fascinating. Wood and metal construction with other mixed media. 14" x 16" x 29" h. Est. $10,000-15,000 Ship: $100. The subject consists of a man in a removable straw hat, repeatedly swinging an axe to chop the head off a chicken. The chicken writhes in the other hand by its feet. The man's body bends forward or back in relation to the swinging axe. He turns his head and opens his mouth showing teeth in a yelling motion as he struggles with the victim. The axe finally hits its target over the chicken's neck. The artist succeeded in creating several synchronized motions instead of one single motion, then another. This subject brings a response of wanting to cringe, but not being able to look away. The details of the mechanical engineering are extreme considering the use of such crude materials. Obviously these materials were from the immediate environment repeating themselves in each piece. The artist springs, all sizes of wire, tin from cigar boxes and other advertising, wood from old Ohio shipping crates, newspapers, and odd pieces of wood for cogs, wheels and carved figures. He also had access to welding supplies. Everything being recycled into a new purpose. The system of wires, springs and wheels are extremely complex in design and implementation. The pieces are fragile, but both structurally sound and should be admired for both the mechanics and the artistry. These pieces were discovered in the upstairs of this circa 1900 Hamilton,OH fire station.

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