165: PAINTED FOLK ART CAT KNOCKDOWN TARGETS SIGNED AKART

The circa 1920 stuffed and painted canvas figures with black bases that, when the figure is laid over, announce a knock-down. One base is signed 'Made By F.C. Akart, Syracuse, NY' in white paint. A 1917 classified ad taken out by Mr. Akart in The Billboard reads; 'THIS IS A MONEY-GETTER - A Galvanized Iron Cart, rubber tires; equipped for hot frankfurters, hamburgers or ice cream; copper serving shelf; very attractive; good for street or store front; gasoline tank and fixtures on the inside; all equipped on wheels; go with the crowd. First $58.00 takes it. F.C. AKART, Syracuse, New York.' The cat figures offered here are formed with pronounced ears and posed in such a way that they create a very unusual 'proper pair' where each mirrors the other.
Each measure 13 x 6 inches.
Very good condition throughout, no damage, repair or heavy wear. Faded signature becomes more apparent under blacklight (see photo).
$300 - $500