Superlative Railway Signalman Whirligig

Circa 1910-1930: For us, a big part of what makes a whirligig great is the imagination and ingenuity of its creator. This incredible railroad signalman whirligig sports a very unusual and whimsical pyramid shaped hat, a wonderful original four color paint scheme, carefully carved and painted facial features with shoe button eyes, and sleekly carved trousers, but the ingredient that elevates this whirligig to an astounding piece of folk art is the maker's use of an old leather shoe to fashion the signalman's traditional double breasted tailcoat. Observe how tightly the thin leather fits the gentleman's figure, how expertly the leather is cut and folded, and how perfectly symetrical the shoe tacks have been placed to create buttons and secure the leather to the figure. Note, too, that the signalman is decked out in red and green, including the paddles: red for stop and green for go. This is a superb occupational whirligig constructed with makedo materials. The total overall height of this remarkable folk art whirligig with arms extended upward is 23", including its 2 3/4"H x 3 3/8"W x 4 5/8"D custom made stand. The whirligig is in excellent as found condition with as expected paint and leather wear, a chip to the hat, and a minor glued repair to one of the paddles. This fantastic piece of finely crafted early 20th century American utilitarian sculptural folk art was used and loved and made well enough to survive the unyielding forces of nature. Provenance: Blandon Cherry, Robert Horn