In today's collector world of
ventriloquist figures there are a few very rare figures and one is
the Alfred LeMare. This builder worked in the 19th century and
created his figures of both paper mache and wood. The example you
see here is 100% original having never ever been worked on or
restored. Even the clothing on him is original to this figure.
He has drop jaw, side moving eyes and fright wig. Unfortunately the
fright wig is not connected and I will have to fix that. The
original crepe hair is very ratty as well. I am sure most of you
that look at this figure will say it should be restored but that is
not going to happen. He is a superb example of this makers work and
is a full size figure standing 38" tall which is also rather rare.
His hands are carved wood and except for paint loss are in great
shape. The paint on his face is also original and even though there
are a substantial amount of chipping I would never touch this guy.
Advanced antique collectors appreciate this type of originality in
an item.
His body is also made of paper mache which is molded and wood for
the bottom board. The head stick attached to the bottom through an
original brass plate. The eyes are wood balls which have been
painted. The arms and legs are the original muslin which has been
stuffed but since they are not opened at all I do not know what was
used for the stuffing. The lower legs are cast paper mache and
retain the original paint. Upper portion of the legs is muslin.
When I first purchased this figure I was not sure it was a LeMare
but upon receipt of the figure with some help of other experts we
have determined it to in fact be his work. I hope you enjoy seeing
this very rare ventriloquist figure which has become part of the
Ventriloquist Central Collection.
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