IVES GENERAL GRANT SMOKER.

IVES GENERAL GRANT SMOKER. General Grant, an iconic figure in American political history in the mid 19th century, is depicted in toy form. As impressive as this toy was in the 1800s, it still retains that air of mystery and amazement even today. The Ives Blakesee Company of CT produced a multitude of toys and clockwork figures usually with some relationship to the political and social climate of the time. This particular toy depicts General Grant seated upon a chair and when wound the General raises his left arm drawing the cigar holder close to his mouth. Specialty cigars were available for use with this toy, however a non-filtered cigarette may also be used. Hidden below in the box is a set of bellows that would actually draw from the cigar/cigarette and upon the General lowering his arm his head would then turn and exhale the smoke through a small hole in his mouth. The largest of the clockwork toys produced by Ives, one cannot imagine that this toy was designed for a child. Oftentimes it is a mistaken thought today that these were children’s toys, but the reality being that many times these “toys” were used for entertainment of adults after dinner in the parlor room. The possibility exists that a “toy” like this could have been used as an advertising/trade stimulator in a tobacco shop? The head is of a cast material with significant detailing such as wrinkles in the General’s forehead, well executed definition of the ears, etc. The wooden box itself is a fancy walnut with an ogee style walnut base as well. The chair that the General sits upon is without arms and is painted cast iron. This toy is illustrated on page 56 of The Toy Collector by Louis Hertz, page 80 of American Antique Toys by Barenholtz, pages 142 & 150 of American Clockwork Toys by Blair Whitton and on plate 22 of Perelman Antique Toy Museum. Toy appears to be in very fine original condition including clothing and finish to the walnut box. SIZE: 14″ h x 5″ w x 9″ d. PROVENANCE: From the Collection of Malcolm Deisenroth, Jr. CONDITION: Some distress, fading and wear to cotton clothing. Aged repair to top of the General’s head. Clockwork mechanism and bellows are present, functional and appear to be complete, but in need of lubrication. Some mechanics are also contained within the chest of the General and these too are in need of lubrication. Right hand is repainted, possible replacement? 1-10203 (12,500-17,500)

Auction: Advertising, Toy & Doll - Spring 2010

Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

Image	Lot	Price	Description
	3057	$12,650.00	IVES GENERAL GRANT SMOKER. General Grant, an iconic figure in American political history in the mid 19th century, is depicted in toy form. As impressive as this toy was in the 1800s, it still retains that air of mystery and amazement even today. The Ives Blakesee Company of CT produced a multitude of toys and clockwork figures usually with some relationship to the political and social climate of the time. This particular toy depicts General Grant seated upon a chair and when wound the General raises his left arm drawing the cigar holder close to his mouth. Specialty cigars were available for use with this toy, however a non-filtered cigarette may also be used. Hidden below in the box is a set of bellows that would actually draw from the cigar/cigarette and upon the General lowering his arm his head would then turn and exhale the smoke through a small hole in his mouth. The largest of the clockwork toys produced by Ives, one cannot imagine that this toy was designed for a child. Oftentimes it is a mistaken thought today that these were children’s toys, but the reality being that many times these “toys” were used for entertainment of adults after dinner in the parlor room. The possibility exists that a “toy” like this could have been used as an advertising/trade stimulator in a tobacco shop? The head is of a cast material with significant detailing such as wrinkles in the General’s forehead, well executed definition of the ears, etc. The wooden box itself is a fancy walnut with an ogee style walnut base as well. The chair that the General sits upon is without arms and is painted cast iron. This toy is illustrated on page 56 of The Toy Collector by Louis Hertz, page 80 of American Antique Toys by Barenholtz, pages 142 & 150 of American Clockwork Toys by Blair Whitton and on plate 22 of Perelman Antique Toy Museum. Toy appears to be in very fine original condition including clothing and finish to the walnut box. SIZE: 14″ h x 5″ w x 9″ d. PROVENANCE: From the Collection of Malcolm Deisenroth, Jr. CONDITION: Some distress, fading and wear to cotton clothing. Aged repair to top of the General’s head. Clockwork mechanism and bellows are present, functional and appear to be complete, but in need of lubrication. Some mechanics are also contained within the chest of the General and these too are in need of lubrication. Right hand is repainted, possible replacement? 1-10203 (12,500-17,500) Auction: Advertising, Toy & Doll - Spring 2010 Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

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