Description:
Item/Description: Vintage signed “V Fontana” limited edition “The Bartender” metal sculpture, marked “#13 of 300" on the original Certificate of Authenticity (COA) which accompanies this Italian/European sculptural figurine. Its limited edition #13 status is further referenced on the underside inscription which reads "Made by Hand in Italy 13". The wood base upon which the sculpture is displayed contains the title of this charming piece: “The Bartender”. ***This delightful saloon bartender figural, which is representative of the Western Americana “Cowboys” era of our American history, is authentically and meticulously detailed in every way imaginable.
*He is attired in traditional Western garb which consists of traditional denim dungarees blue jeans, a high-neck button-down white shirt topped with a vest and hat, and boots. He even sports black arm bands around each shirt sleeve.
*Facially, he greatly resembles the works of famous doll artisans such as Roldan, Klumpe, Lenci, etc, with a full, lush moustache to boot
*Clutched between his long spindly fingers is a cigar/stogie/cigarillo, and in front of him on the rustic faux wooden bar countertop is an opened bottle of liquor and beverage glass.
*Behind him, in the back-of-the-bar area on a shelf, are additional liquor bottles - one can even be made out to read "Whisky" (Whiskey), along with a faux hanging wall mirror.
*On the floor in front of the bar counter area is a tray with faux broken bottles/glasses (likely the aftermath residue of an old-fashioned saloon brawl/shootout) ;~)
Age/Period: Vintage - ca 1960s-1980s
Manufacturer/Identification/Markings/Country of Origin: The base of the sculpture is signed "V Fontana"; further attribution on the underside reads "Made by Hand in Italy 13"; the wooden display base reads “The Bartender”; and the original Certificate of Authenticity (COA) reads "This is to certify that the FONTANA figurine of The BARTENDER is produced in a limited edition of 300 copies. This is number 13. Creative World Venezia, Italy New York, NY - Lee Benson, Director"
Material(s)/Format: Sculpture is comprised of handpainted metal in a combination matte and glossy finish; display base is comprised of wood
Size/Measurements: 9 1/4"H x 7 1/4"W x 6 1/2"Deep
Quantity: One (1) sculpture, with one (1) display base.
Condition: The sculpture itself (which is a separate entity from the wooden display base) remains in excellent condition, and the wooden display base remains in very good to excellent condition, with the only noted condition factors affecting the base being a handful of nominal scuffs and rub marks. Being noted merely for purposes of accuracy is that the COA remains affixed to the back side of this sculpture with scotch tape applied by its previous owner.
My
Basket
