112: A MANGELS ARTICULATED CLOWN SHOOTING GALLERY TARGET

The detailed casting of a Pierrot clown wearing conical cap and billowy blouse in white with large red buttons, the arms cast separately and attached on pivot points could move freely to different positions. This version of casting differs from others seen so far and none were found with two colors of old park paint like this. Figures of this size and configuration were typically a Mangel's gallery centerpiece - one single target among many multiples and thereby scarce. See lot 62 for an original watercolor rendering of a William Mangels shooting gallery with similar figure.

Purportedly this identical clown target is pictured on page 11 in America's Forgotten Folk Arts by Fred & Mary Fried, Pantheon Books, 1978. It is also pictured on page 15 (Figure 1.6) in Sellers' book. Various versions of the clown target are illustrated in Mangels' catalogs, including catalogs 15 and 20 on page 7, gallery 45.

Pictured on page 15 (Figure 1.6) in Sellers' book.
Measures 20.5 x 29 inches, excluding stand.
Very good original condition, there are no issues of damage or repair, great old park paint and worn at the high points, surface soiling and patina.
$7,500 - $10,000