Zinc Cigar Store Figure of an Indian Hunter
From Muther & Son Cigar Manufactory, Santa Rosa, California
William Demuth & Co; plaque on base stamped WM. DEMUTH & CO./ 501 BROADWAY NEW YORK
Base with original inscription from Muther & Son, Santa Rosa, CA
Zinc
Circa 1874 - 1877
Height: 83”
A metal figure of an Indian Hunter with a large cloak reaching to the back of the base. The figure is in full attire, holding a gun in his left hand and fingering his knife with the right hand. This version of Indian Hunter is rarely seen. This figure is illustrated in the 1875 Catalog of William Demuth & Co. as “No. 70, Indian Hunter.”
Born in Germany, William Demuth came to New York in 1835. He worked various jobs and in 1861 landed at the firm of Edward Hen who sold tobacconist figures among other tobacco related goods. In 1863 Demuth founded his own company, William Demuth & Co., Importers, tobacconist and pipe wholesaler but also sold carved wood and cast zinc figures. It was with at the foundry of his fellow immigrant, Morris Seelig that he helped to develop zinc figures of character and distinction which he claimed were superior to wooden pieces that cracked “from exposure to climatic changes.” Demuth ultimately claimed copyrights on at least 34 figures, of which the majority were Indians and includes this figure of the Indian Hunter.
The base has its original painted lettering for Muther & Son, a business that Frank Muther (1849-1913) opened circa 1876. Mather, described as a pioneering cigar manufacturer and dealer, built a successful business and social career in Santa Rosa, eventually leaving the business to his son at his death. Muther also was the chief of the Santa Rosa Fire Department and gained fame because of his tireless leadership during a 1906 earthquake and fire that threatened to destroy Santa Rosa.
Condition: In outstanding original condition, on original base. Separation to some of the zinc panels, scattered small areas of loss to paint.
Literature:
Fried, Artists in Wood (Bramhall House; 1970) p. 53.
Grissom, Zinc Sculpture in America 1850-1950 (Newark: University of Delaware Press; 2009),
p. 154, figure 2.4.
Base with original inscription from Muther & Son, Santa Rosa, CA
Zinc
Circa 1874 - 1877
Height: 83”
A metal figure of an Indian Hunter with a large cloak reaching to the back of the base. The figure is in full attire, holding a gun in his left hand and fingering his knife with the right hand. This version of Indian Hunter is rarely seen. This figure is illustrated in the 1875 Catalog of William Demuth & Co. as “No. 70, Indian Hunter.”
Born in Germany, William Demuth came to New York in 1835. He worked various jobs and in 1861 landed at the firm of Edward Hen who sold tobacconist figures among other tobacco related goods. In 1863 Demuth founded his own company, William Demuth & Co., Importers, tobacconist and pipe wholesaler but also sold carved wood and cast zinc figures. It was with at the foundry of his fellow immigrant, Morris Seelig that he helped to develop zinc figures of character and distinction which he claimed were superior to wooden pieces that cracked “from exposure to climatic changes.” Demuth ultimately claimed copyrights on at least 34 figures, of which the majority were Indians and includes this figure of the Indian Hunter.
The base has its original painted lettering for Muther & Son, a business that Frank Muther (1849-1913) opened circa 1876. Mather, described as a pioneering cigar manufacturer and dealer, built a successful business and social career in Santa Rosa, eventually leaving the business to his son at his death. Muther also was the chief of the Santa Rosa Fire Department and gained fame because of his tireless leadership during a 1906 earthquake and fire that threatened to destroy Santa Rosa.
Condition: In outstanding original condition, on original base. Separation to some of the zinc panels, scattered small areas of loss to paint.
Literature:
Fried, Artists in Wood (Bramhall House; 1970) p. 53.
Grissom, Zinc Sculpture in America 1850-1950 (Newark: University of Delaware Press; 2009),
p. 154, figure 2.4.