106: A GOOD WURFFLEIN SWINGING BIRD SHOOTING GALLERY TARGET

The very rare cast iron bird target in amazing original paint and dry original overall surface complete with original iron rod and red gong. Targets of this rare type would swing from side to side above a gallery creating the ultimate challenge of hitting a moving bullseye. And again, a large gallery may only have one or two swinging targets versus tens of duplicate conveyor figures which helps to explain why this is the only known example of this model. Illustrated in many of Wurfflein's advertising materials as swinging bird target by William Wurfflein, Philadelphia, PA as signed on reverse (Part No.) 57. Illustrated in many of Wurfflein's advertising materials, including his 1891 Price List and in Gallery 24 in his 1914 Price List.

Pictured on page 45 of Sellers' book (Figure 3.10). This is the only example the Tuckers have seen or heard of in their 30 years of collecting. The Tuckers and this lot were featured in a New York Times article on June 26, 2014.
Measures 7.5 x 16.25 inches, excluding stand.
Very good original condition with dry old white paint on bull's eye and traces of original yellow feather detail, a great surface born of exposure, the effects of age and lead pellets over decades. there are no issues of damage or repair.
$3,000 - $4,000