French Mechanical "Jumbo" Elephant by Roullet with P.T. Barnum Provenance

Live Auction

14"(36 cm.) 9"h. A paper mache elephant with grey kidskin cover has loosely hinged legs,glass eyes,large ears,tusks,loosely hinged trunk and silk tapestry blankets. When wound,the elephant lumbers along in a realistic manner,and periodically "flaps" his large ears. Condition: generally excellent. Comments: Roullet,circa 1885. Value Points: the elephant was presented by P.T. Barnum to Mr. Wesley Redhead of Des Moines,Iowa during the mid-1880s Barnum and Bailey Circus Farewell Tour. Barnum,who was a friend of the pre-eminent local businessman,had rented the circus grounds from Redhead,and had been entertained at the lavish Redhead mansion during his stay. Upon the departure of the circus from Des Moines,Barnum presented Mr. Redhead with the toy elephant,representing Jumbo,the famous Barnum and Bailey elephant,said to be the largest elephant in the world. Included with the mechanical toy elephant,are copies of historic photographs of the Barnum Circus parade down Main Street of Des Moines (from the original glass slides) as well as other documents and personal notes from Mr. Redhead concerning the tour. The elephant has remained in the Redhead family until its appearance now. Value Points: well-preserved and functioning mechanical elephant with unusual flapping action of the ears,enhanced by rich provenance.