Item Report
American Folk Art Cast Metal Figurine of a Laborer
By: Unknown
Style: Folk Art / Americana
Origin: United States
Materials: Cast spelter or pot metal (possibly with a bronze or brass finish)
Age: Circa 1920–1940
Condition: Very Good (light surface wear, some uneven patina, no visible cracks or repairs)
Value: $30–$70
Maker's Marks / Writing: None visible
Date: 2025-06-03 20:57:05.331645
Description:
This is a small cast metal figurine depicting a male laborer or worker, standing with a book under his arm and a tool in the other hand. The figure is rendered in a simple, folk art style typical of early-to-mid 20th century Americana. The casting appears modest in detail, with a patina that suggests either age or artificial aging. No visible painted decoration and likely intended as a decorative object or possibly a paperweight.
Curator Questions
Curated by Jade
Assessment:
This figurine is a good representative of early 20th-century American folk art, reflecting themes of labor, industriousness, and everyday heroism. The piece likely served a decorative or commemorative role. While its casting quality is modest and no maker's mark is evident, its charm comes from its subject and period feel. The value is modest given the commonality of such items and the lack of fine detailing or notable provenance.
Individual Images:
whole item
Provenance:
None provided
Condition:
Very Good (light surface wear, some uneven patina, no visible cracks or repairs)
Identification Score: 85%
The subject, material, and style strongly indicate an early 20th-century American folk art figure. The book and tool suggest a worker or tradesman, and the basic casting is typical for the era. Some uncertainty remains due to the absence of maker's signature.
Authenticity Score: 75%
The patina and casting technique are consistent with authentic decorative metal figures of this period, though the lack of maker's mark or other identifiers keeps the confidence slightly lower. There is no clear indication of recent manufacture, but reproduction is always a consideration with such forms.
Image Memory Note
Keywords
folk art, Americana, cast metal, laborer, worker figurine, early 20th century, decorative sculpture, paperweight
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