Large Vintage Circus Wagon Elephant with Bears and Monkey from Barnum & Bailey

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a very good looking well made and decorative large vintage barnum & bailey circus wagon elephant bears & monkey a … Read more a very good looking well made and decorative large vintage barnum & bailey circus wagon elephant bears & monkey a wonderfully theatrical and exceptionally decorative large-scale barnum & bailey style circus wagon ensemble, depicting an elephant drawing a traditional animal cage wagon populated by performing bears, with a wonderfully characterful monkey seated upon the elephant's back. The substantial elephant is beautifully modelled and hand decorated with an elaborate red, cream and turquoise circus caparison and gilt-coloured chains, while the wooden wagon carries the boldly painted word “circus” to its side and is raised upon traditional spoked wheels with metal cage bars above. The extraordinary composition is packed with charming detail, from the two performing bears perched upon the roof of the cage to the small monkey riding high upon the elephant. This model relates directly to known “greatest show on earth” circus wagon sets, produced in the manner of the great american travelling circuses and combining painted wood, metal and composition figures. Period examples are commonly associated with the ringling bros. And barnum & bailey circus tradition, although later decorative reproductions of this particular model are also known, including documented examples dating from the 1990s. A fabulous piece of circus and fairground decorative art, displaying wonderful colour, character and an abundance of nostalgic detail. The painted and decorated surfaces show expected rubbing, marks and areas of wear, adding considerably to its wonderfully evocative appearance. Impressive in scale and highly unusual, it would make a superb statement piece for a large interior, children's room, shop display, restaurant, hotel or collection of circus and fairground memorabilia.

height: 41cm width: 55cm, total width 91cm depth: 33cm dimensions of the elephant height: 33cm width: 36cm depth: 17cm See less