241: THE ONLY KNOWN MANGELS IRON FOLK ART CROCODILE TARGET

Arguably the pinnacle of cast iron shooting gallery target art, this affable character would surely have delighted the public and separated them from their coins. The whimsical design with applied bullseye at her eye is backed with its original iron gong back side. The open mouth with ocean wave-like teeth and red tongue all presented an extra effort on the part of the founders to provide detail not common to shooting gallery targets. And the overall form is classic folk art. Add brightly colored red, white and green park paint with dry old surface on a large centerpiece target and this is the complete package. Made by William Mangels of Coney Island and pictured in his catalog 15 on page 5 (Gallery 43) and page 10 (Gallery 48). Complete with wall mount.

Pictured on page 14 (Figure 1.4) of Sellers' book. Also illustrated in Mangels.' This is the only example the Tuckers have seen or heard of in their 30 years of collecting.
Measures 13.5 x 33 inches, excluding stand.
Very good condition throughout, no damage, repair or heavy wear, very nice dry old paint surface.
$6,000 - $9,000