Life-Sized, 68 Antique Black Americana Wood Relief Carving, Man With Mug

My father first saw this relief carving as a young man in the 1950's at a root beer stand in Oklahoma City. It has been in a wine cellar ever since, about 40 years. It is life-sized: five feet, eight inches tall (68). It's 37" wide and about 4.5" thick.

Since top hats had become a rarity by World War II, the carving likely predates that by many years. The clothing suggests 19th century.

The hat appears midway between a top hat and a stovepipe hat. We named him Pub Guy. The colors are richer than the photographs are able to show because of glare and reflections from the glossy finish. The mug, for example, has a shiny, metal-gold quality, making it appear to be filled with beer.

I have taken care to photograph defects closely. It is in good shape: The arm holding the mug appears to have been repaired twice.

In the lapel area has the worst paint damage, one chip of paint about a quarter-inch square and some blistering. There are a few other small chipped or worn areas that have been finished over, like the knuckles of the left hand. There are a few other superficial scratches and scuffs on the finish--on the hat, for example--that do not penetrate the paint and could be reduced with polishing.

There are two mounting holes about 2 mm wide. The item appears to have been repainted at least once.

I have made no repairs or changes. The back of the carving has been sculpted out to reduce weight. It weighs approximately 50 lbs. The carving is unique for several reasons--size, for one, its age, and the fact it is likely one-of-a-kind--but maybe most noteworthy is the fact that. He appears to be a gentleman with his top hat and tails.

He's not a server; he's a customer. It's an important piece.

Black Americana collectors insist the past must be remembered. If you don't have a collection, this relief carving would be a good start. If you do, it would be a wonderful addition.

The item "Life-Sized, 68 Antique Black Americana Wood Relief Carving, Man With Mug" is in sale since Friday, October 14, 2016. This item is in the category "Collectibles\Cultures & Ethnicities\Black Americana\Figures & Sculptures". The seller is "rdbrewer2013" and is located in Bethany, Oklahoma. This item can be shipped to United States.

• Provenance: Ownership History Available