An Extraordinary German Menagerie with Very Rare Animals,Wooden Tent,and Trainers

Live Auction

17" (43 cm.) h. giraffe. The menagerie features one of the largest collections of superbly- sculpted wild and exotic animals made by the skilled German artisans of the late-19th century,each animal of paper mache with realistically-posed body and limbs,defined musculature,authentically-painted textured "flocked" finish,and each having glass eyes of appropriate color. What is most intriguing is not only the inclusion of rare animals,but also the three animal "families",namely the giraffe and two baby giraffes,the tiger with baby tiger,and two adult mountain lionesses with their two babies. Other animals include lion,three camels (one of which is double-humped),two brown striped hyenas,two spotted leopards,two hippos,tiger and tigress,polar bear,cow,deer,and very rare grey striped hyena. Also included in the Menagerie is a wooden tent painted with cream and red wide stripes and having various sections and doors,along with two wooden cages that are marked Fragile and S&M 59 Nurnberg,buckets. extensive wooden fencing able to be arranged as wished,and two animal trainers or handlers,one with especially charming pose. Condition: generally excellent. Comments: Germany,circa 1880,smaller paper mache animals (see #108) were popular toys from the Thuringia area. This set is quite rare in larger deluxe size as well as quality,and the signature on the wooden crates may provide a clue to its maker. Value Points: the extraordinary Menagerie is notable for the rarity of its animals,their fine craftsmanship and excellent state of preservation.