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Rare Punch Countertop Cigar Store Tobacconist Figure

Offered by: Jeffrey Tillou Antiques

Description
Rare Punch Countertop Cigar Store Tobacconist Figure
Cast into base: Wm. Demuth & Co., Manufacturers New York.
Ca. 1885.
Cast zinc.
Over-all in fine condition with minimal wear and paint loss. Minor repair to wrist, otherwise in original condition, to include cigar.
Provenance: Private Collection.
This rare, diminutive-size counter-top figure depicts “Punch, The Lord of Misrule”, holding cigars in one hand while the other is lifted in a beckoning gesture. The “smoking” mechanism makes it especially rare: the figure is fitted with a metal tube in the back connected to an element that created steam, which was then emitted from the cigar dangling from Punch’s mouth. Tobacconist shops used such figures as countertop displays to advertise their wares. Demuth, the manufacturer, was a well-known distributor of carved pipes and cigar store trade figures, generally made of wood. In 1863, Demuth formed a partnership with Brooklyn foundry operator Moritz Seelig to produce metal pieces such as this cast-zinc figure, which was advertised in their catalogue as being immune from cracking due to climatic changes.

Dimensions: 18 ½” h.

More Information

Origin:	United States, New York
Period:	19th Century
Materials:	Cast Zinc, Polychrome decoration.
Condition:	Good. Over-all in fine condition with minimal wear and paint loss. Minor repair to wrist.
Creation Date:	circa 1885
Styles / Movements:	Americana, Traditional
Dealer Reference #:	FA-SO 019
Incollect Reference #:	776615

Dimensions

H.	18.5 in;
H.	46.99 cm;

Message from Seller:

Jeffrey Tillou Antiques was established in 1992. The three story historic building located “on the green” in Litchfield, features an extensive inventory of Americana from the 18th and early 19th centuries. Here you will find an extraordinary collection of furniture, folk art, weathervanes, sculpture, Oriental carpets, and related decorative pieces as well as distinctive European furniture and original works of art.