152: A CAST IRON OWL GALLERY TARGET, MANNER OF EMIL HOFFMANN

Potentially attributable to various Chicago makers, this owl is most similar to the characteristics of Emil Hoffmann, a major Chicago manufacturer of shooting galleries and targets. Owls were a popular target subject among makers of the period and this could be the product of Chicago makers H.C. Evans or F.C. Mueller as well. A less detailed example is illustrated on page 79 of an Evans catalog and described as one of three 'Cast Iron Decorative Targets' with part number 103; also in a Hoffmann catalog as 'Cast Iron Targets for Stationary and Moving Galleries, part number 57; and in a Mueller catalog in Gallery S-119. During the first quarter of the 20th century, there were no less than three foundries in Chicago producing very similar, if not identical, figural owl shooting gallery targets. The owl was a popular target with many manufacturers and the firms of H.C. Evans & Company, Emil R. Hoffmann and F.C. Mueller & Company were no different. This owl shooting gallery target could have been made by any one of these three Chicago Shooting Gallery Manufacturers.
Displayed on custom iron stand.
Measures 11 x 5.25 inches, excluding stand.
Very good condition, there are no issues of damage, repair or heavy wear, the surface and edges are made outstanding by age, the genuine polish of handling and the inimitable result of having been peened by the impact of hundreds of lead bullets.
$600 - $800