232: A GREAT WURFFLEIN FOLK ART CAT SHOOTING GALLERY TARGET

The humorous, somewhat peculiar and thoroughly unique design of a black cat in circular composition with turned head facing the viewer. This rare target, the only one known to date, has an outstanding surface displaying old, possibly original, black and red paint with great folky painted features, and an interesting pattern of scattered freckle-like starbursts from shooting gallery bullet strikes, The central bullseye retains layers of white park paint and is backed by the original iron gong, signed in cast lettering lower front edge. Described as 'Tom Cat on the Fence', this target is illustrated in many of Wurfflein's advertising materials, including the March 1901 Catalog and Illustrated Price List.

Pictured on page 44 of Sellers' book (Figure 3.7).
Displayed on custom iron stand. This is the only example the Tuckers have seen or heard of in their 30 years of collecting.
Measures 14 x 19 inches, excluding stand.
Very good condition throughout, no damage, repair or heavy wear beyond the expected effects of the typical cast iron shooting gallery target over 100 years old.
$6,000 - $9,000