Posted 8 years ago
Alananat
(1 item)
This item was given to me at a garage sale. The lady said her elderly landlord gave it to her. They said it was a likeness of Winston Churchill, and there was supposed to be a toilet under his rear end, as a separate piece??? I have only seen 2 like it, only they were banks. One of the two had the slot between the legs and the other bank had the slot on the back, and the two banks was wearing a black tuxedo. This item is much more textured, has an orange coat, and no slot whatsoever. It has a circle indent underneath, under the foot. No wording can be discerned, but slight edges of letters can be seen within the indent. This item does look like Winston Churchill, more than the other banks. I'm thinking it might be a political illustration piece? It measures 9 x 5 x 5 inches.
Please help me with this, IT'S BEEN DRIVING ME NUTS!! :)
I think it must be a hard job for him......!
Something else to consider - I wonder if the resemblance to Churchill may be co-incidental. I look at the impressed mark and I see the word CHINA. The figure itself looks to be a Japanese fellow and I can't help but think it is some sort of mocking "humorous" novelty that probably predates Winston Churchill's rise to political power.
I bought one similar to this one last year at the Flea Market. It was an older piece, from the early 1920's or before, more detailed, like a "Fat Cat"(wealthy man, with no concern for the little guy) and made of pottery, it was worse though, had a poop hanging! Q BAD! I gave it to another seller there, that has odd things sometimes, and he paid me what I paid for it. He said he could sell it, at an antiques sale, that he goes to, and he did. I don't know how much he got, but was happy he found a buyer.
I didn't get a picture of it, and a search, I wont do again! Not a thing that you want to search!!! :^)
It must be a political/satire piece, that was produced later, just to be silly, not knowing it's original intent
There are figurines in traditional Mexican pottery called "caigateros" depicting people of various occupations in a similar pose.
You guys have been a ton of help! I guess I'm confused about the origin. So it's made in China, depicting a Japanese man formed in Mexican style? ???? If I can turn a profit on this man's culturally ambiguous backside, I will. If it's not worth anything, I'll sneak it amongst my brother's office decor right before an important meeting. Because that's the way I roll. Two more questions: can I spray this with a clear, matte, acrylic coating to prevent flaking of the paint? And where should I sell it? I have an online vintage shop, but I can only guess it's value. Do you think a better way to go would be eBay? Thanks so much!
Confusion is normal in this business. If the mark reads "China" then the piece is probably from China but there is nothing Mexican about the style other than depicting an activity common to all cultures.
To address your other questions - spraying a clear coat is a modification (the piece will no longer be original) and should be considered when selling as it will affect the value it may have in some people's eyes. What value this piece has may be difficult to determine. It is said there is a collector for everything but I suspect the market niche is pretty small and research could be challenging for these "poopers". If you can get satisfaction from pranking your brother, it may be easier to go for the instant gratification. :+)
Alananat, I have a feeling you will fit in here in CyberAsylum/CW. We need some fresh blood in the water !
Winston would never put himself in that position without a cigar, and perhaps a small whisky.
Art foot, there are many Limies who would say that nothing predates Winston !
I have one of these but He is wearing a black suit with a green base.
The GMG Art & Novelty Company (founded by Albert Grisanti, his brother Ferdinand, and cousin Dorina Mattei) of Louisville Kentucky made this as a Novelty.
Approximately 4.5” wide by 6” deep by 8.5” tall. Coin slot is between his head and back. Figure shows squinting Churchill with pants down in a defecating posture. Unsure of meaning, possibly referring to tight spot England was in at beginning of WWII. Color accents and facial highlights. Distressed look on face.
New information given to us by a noted collector is as follows - It was used by the Hitler youth in their door-to-door solicitations for donations. The figure of Churchill is intentionally designed to be grotesque and "compromised." This item is well documented in Kevin Hall's outstanding book on Churchilliana.
I'm not sure about that info but I am sure it was made after the war in Louisville Kentucky and was probably a prize at a carnival.