Mary B. Parker Adelsperger (1876-1969) - "First American" Incense Burner

I have a rather odd story to tell about these two pieces. Some time ago I purchased this bronze in an online auction. It was not signed, dated or numbered - it had literally nothing written on it. When I inquired of the seller (who was located in Delaware) about the history of the piece, I was told it was purchased at an estate sale and they didn't have any more information on it. Since it was exactly in keeping with the rest of my collection, I didn't mind the mystery. I set out to discover what I could about it. I contacted several appraisers and experts on Western bronzes and searched for days with Google, all to no avail. Even the experts couldn't give me the smallest clue as to its creator or origin.

Last summer I finally found the answer, and once I did the information just kept unfolding for me. The story is even more interesting than I could have imagined. It turns out that the bronze is not old at all! It was cast in Ellendale, Delaware by a small bronze foundry that had used an antique incense burner as a model. They have another copy of this piece for sale on Etsy for significantly more than I paid for mine. I managed to track down one of the original incense burners as well, and bought a pristine example online too. It's in amazing shape considering it was made of plaster almost 100 years ago and was meant to be discarded when the incense ran out! The two now sit side-by-side in my display cabinet, the very antique plaster original (meant to be an inexpensive novelty) and the virtually new bronze copy (meant to be much higher priced art).

The artist, Mary B. Parker Adelsperger, was a sculptor of some note who lived and worked primarily in Chicago. She studied at the Art Institute of Chicago under Solon Borglum (brother of Gutzon Borglum, sculptor of Mt. Rushmore - more on him later) and actually held patents on the coloring of intaglio prints. She became noted later in life as a humorist as well. She had been commissioned by the Louis Lucas Company AKA American Incense Company (the oldest incense company in the US) in Jamestown, New York to create several figural incense burners for them and had apparently created many over several years. This one, titled "First American," was copyrighted in 1919 by Louis Lucas Co. (I can only assume this was a "work for hire" commission). Ms. Adelsperger passed away in 1969 in New York. Since the copyright has long since expired, it's OK for them to copy it.

I find it terrifically amusing that the copy is really worth more than the original itself. This could have easily wound up a "caveat emptor" post, but to me the story alone is worth what I spent on these two!

"First American" by Mary B. Parker Adelsperger, 1919, bronze copy

"First American" by Mary B. Parker Adelsperger, 1919, bronze copy

"First American" by Mary B. Parker Adelsperger, 1919, bronze copy

"First American" by Mary B. Parker Adelsperger, 1919, bronze copy

"First American" by Mary B. Parker Adelsperger, 1919, original plaster copy

"First American" by Mary B. Parker Adelsperger, 1919, original plaster copy

"First American" by Mary B. Parker Adelsperger, 1919, original plaster copy

"First American" by Mary B. Parker Adelsperger, 1919, original plaster copy

"First American" by Mary B. Parker Adelsperger, 1919, original plaster copy

John W. Learned (1929-2013) - "Mexican Indian"

This was one of the first bronzes that I bought, and could arguably be what started me collecting. I bid on this when it was listed at an online thrift store auction. I was the only bidder and won it for next to nothing. Once I received it, I began researching the artist, John W. Learned. I found out that Mr. Learned was a highly noted sculptor whose many large commissions still grace institutions and parks around the world.  He was born in Lawrence, Kansas in 1929, taught art at the University of Oklahoma and lived in Oklahoma City. I am given to understand that his was a generous spirit, and that he mentored many aspiring young artists. He passed away in 2013.

This piece is titled "Mexican Indian" and is signed "John W. Learned." It is not dated nor does it have an edition size. I believe it is an original and one of a kind. Not long after I bought it, I contacted a gallery in Oklahoma that specializes in Oklahoma artists. I was told that it very likely is unique. At one time the bronze was affixed to a base (there's a small blob of hot glue on the edge of the underside), but that was long gone by the time I got the piece.

Another funny note - it has taken me until now to write about this bronze because about three years ago my kitten knocked it off the shelf and I couldn't find it. I moved my old club chair the other day and there it was, on the rug under the back of the chair. I was so happy I had to include it here.

"Mexican Indian" by John W. Learned

"Mexican Indian" by John W. Learned, back

"Mexican Indian" by John W. Learned, signature

Vivian Grissom - Traditional Dancer Bronze

I began watching this bronze on eBay when it was first listed, as I do with everything I like but cannot afford. I keep hoping I hit the lottery one day... Well, I continued to watch this through about a year's worth of relistings as it continued to stagnate without any bids. I liked it, but being po I couldn't afford the starting bid - to be honest, if I'd had that kind of money, I'd have done a few other things with it first. Late last year the owner decided that it was time it was sold and began lowering the price. It finally came down to my (admittedly low) price range and I was able to snap it up!

This impressively sized (and quite heavy) bronze was sculpted by Vivian Grissom in 1971 and is number 6 of 50. Now I have no idea who Vivian Grissom is/was, but I know that there are at least five more copies of this statue out there, and hopefully one of the owners knows more than I do. This handsome fellow appears to be a Northern Plains Traditional style dancer, though he may be more of a fantasy or representational work than strictly accurate. The figure itself is more abstract than strictly anatomically correct as well. The bronze sits a bit loosely on the original butcher block base which is a bit beat up but still decent. As there is no official title to be found, I call this "Traditional Dancer". If someone else knows different, please let me know.

Overall though, it is a handsome work and looks quite nice in my collection!

"Traditional Dancer" by Vivian Grissom, 6/50, 1971

"Traditional Dancer" by Vivian Grissom, 6/50, 1971, front

"Traditional Dancer" by Vivian Grissom, 6/50, 1971, left

"Traditional Dancer" by Vivian Grissom, 6/50, 1971, back

"Traditional Dancer" by Vivian Grissom, 6/50, 1971, right

"Traditional Dancer" by Vivian Grissom, 6/50, 1971, face detail

"Traditional Dancer" by Vivian Grissom, 6/50, 1971, signature

Dean Logan - "War Feathers" Painting

Yet another purchase from an online auction was this lovely painting of an Indian Warrior in paint, feathers and regalia by artist Dean Logan. About all I could find about the artist is that he did the official art for the N'Amerind Friendship Centre in London, Ontario, Canada. I believe this is the same Dean Logan who is now a professional tattoo artist in Detroit, Michigan, but I'm not certain, only about 98% sure. I've seen pictures of a few of his tattoos, and the line work is almost spot on for style. There are some minor scuffs toward the bottom of the piece, but they're nothing that a mat and frame wouldn't hide. Chances are, that's what caused the marks in the first place.

Like so many of my other artworks, there is no title on this piece, nor can I find much of anything about the artist or this piece online. I've chosen to call it "War Feathers". If someone out there knows more about this, please write to me!

This piece makes a strong statement on my wall. The bold colors, clean lines and stoic expression on his face combine to make the painting really jump out at you. I'm very fortunate to have this in my collection.

"War Feathers" by Dean Logan, 1990

"War Feathers" by Dean Logan, 1990, signature

James Lamascus - Indian in a Colorful Blanket

I purchased this painting in yet another online thrift store auction. The colorful blanket and handsome face of the Indian caught my eye. While this is best called an amateur painting, it is still nice enough to be included in my collection. I like it a lot, and that's what is important. Lacking an official title, I've named it "Indian Blanket."

The signature reads "James Lamascus '92". I cannot find anything about this artist online. I just enjoy it for what it is - a very nice and colorful painting.

As usual, if anyone knows something about this one, please let me know!

Update: Apparently this painting is after artist Vel Miller's painting "Fire Woman", which has appeared on many decorative objects from prints to postcards to collectors plates. This appears to me to be a more masculine version of the original, perhaps meant as the male counterpart? Or maybe the artist here was just not very skillful. Either way, I still like it.

"Indian Blanket" by James Lamascus, oil on canvas, 1992

"Indian Blanket" by James Lamascus, oil on canvas, 1992, signature

David Y. Gilman - A Handsome Painting of a Warrior on Horseback

I spotted this painting for sale on eBay and had to do a double take. Not six months earlier I had bid on this very same artwork in an online thrift store auction and had lost! I double checked, and sure enough it was one and the same. The seller's ID matched the winner's ID from the previous auction. To make it more interesting, the original ending price (without shipping) of the thrift store auction was about $100 MORE than the opening bid of the new auction! Of course I bid on it, and as the only bidder, in due course I won. Shipping was a bit pricey, but this is such a beautiful painting (and in perfect condition) that I really didn't care. It's not often that one not only has a second chance to own a one-of-a-kind artwork, much less buying it for less than it was offered previously!

This handsome Indian on his horse came to me in this frame, which I believe to be original to the piece. Judging by the patina and very light aging, it is not more than 20 years old or so, at most. It was very well executed in oil on canvas. It's quite well done, the proportions look to be right on. I think it's really sharp.

I'm still trying to decipher the artist's name, but I'm leaning heavily toward "David Y. Gilman" though. I haven't been able to find anything on any variations of the name however. If anyone knows anything about either this artist or painting, drop me a note!

Update: I have recently discovered that this painting is a copy of another painting, "Sun Seeker" by Chuck Ren.  I was waiting to be seated at one of my favorite local diners and they had a collector's plate in a display case with this very image on it. A little research turned up the source. Even though this is a copy, it's quite well done and looks great on my wall!!

"Indian Warrior" by David Y. Gilman, oil on canvas

"Indian Warrior" by David Y. Gilman, oil on canvas, signture

Clyde W. Kunz - "Moonlight Encampment", An Old Oil Painting

This painting came from yet another online thrift store auction. At the time I saw it, I was negotiating to buy a very old log cabin out in the woods, and I thought this painting of an Indian canoe beached on a moonlit lake was perfect for the living room wall. The pictures on the auction site were small and not very clear, but it was obviously old. When it arrived at my door and I finally got a good look at it, I saw the Indians seated around a campfire. The painting is so dark that I hadn't noticed them before!

I'm not sure of the medium (what type of paint it is), perhaps it's oil or tempera, and it appears to be painted on some kind of board. I believe the painting dates to the 1920's or thereabouts, but I haven't taken it out of the original frame to see if there is something written on the back. There is no date on the front, but the piece definitely has some age to it. All I have to go by is the signature - Clyde W. Kunz. There have been enough Clyde W. Kunz's appearing throughout history that the actual artist's biography may never be known - in the period contemporary with the approximate date of this painting I've found at least four, living in very different parts of the country.

There is no title on the piece anywhere, so I've taken to calling it "Moonlight Encampment". My photo shows the painting as much lighter than it actually is. In reality it was painted in very dark tones. There is a bit of glare from the light on the right side of my photos - sorry about that.

If anyone has any info on either this piece or the artist, please let me know! This one has been frustrating my efforts at research for a couple years now.

"Moonlight Encampment" by Clyde W. Kunz

"Moonlight Encampment" by Clyde W. Kunz, Indians detail

"Moonlight Encampment" by Clyde W. Kunz, signature

Jack Pohr (1918-2003), Portrait of "Kicking Bear"

For a bit of a change, I've decided to detour a bit from the bronze collection and move on to a few of my paintings. I plan to start posting my oddball antiques, too, so keep an eye out for them.

I purchased this painting from a thrift store that holds auctions online. It's huge, and cost almost as much to ship it as it did to buy it. Until very recently I knew next to nothing about the artist, save that he lived in Colorado and had passed away some time ago. I started digging, and just the little I managed to find was amazing!

Jack Pohr was born Jakiw Pohrebynsky on Sept. 19, 1918 in Kiev, Russia, to an aristocratic family. His family fled to Poland to escape the Russian Revolution shortly after his birth. According to a newspaper article from 1952, he was interred in a concentration camp by the Nazis during WWII, where he learned to play the violin so well that he avoided the death chambers by playing for the Gestapo. He and his wife (also a Russian aristocrat) emigrated first to Canada then eventually to Colorado Springs, where he became well-known as a portraitist and painter. He passed away at age 84 in 2003, leaving behind many works, including this one. Sadly, his only son Alfred "Freddy" Pohr died of a stroke a year later, and his wife Lisa Dworkina Pohr (nee Tutmasion) passed in 2006. He left no direct descendants.

This was one of only a handful paintings of Indians that Jack made, as far as I can tell. The inspiration was an antique photograph of Kicking Bear (March 18, 1846–May 28, 1904, also called Matȟó Wanáȟtake), an Oglala Lakota who became a band chief of the Minneconjou Lakota. He was a first cousin of Crazy Horse. It's a very nicely done painting, and quite striking on my wall!

"Kicking Bear, Sioux" by Jack Pohr, oil on Masonite

Joe Beeler (1931-2006) and Eddie Basha (1937-2013), Medallions for Friends

These six recent purchases have a delightful history, and it all started with a very generous humanitarian and his artist best friend.

The story begins with Eddie Basha Jr. (1937-2013), owner of the Basha's chain of grocery stores. Started by his father and uncle in Chandler, AZ in the 1930's, Eddie expanded the chain to a nationwide total of over 130 stores. But he was probably best known in Arizona as a humanitarian (widely known for his advocacy of and work for the schools and for the poor) and his unsuccessful 1994 campaign for Governor (he was defeated by incumbent Fife Symington). Eddie was known for being very kind and extremely funny (he was a notorious practical joker). He was also a devoted fan of Western art, thanks to his aunt Zelma Salmieri, who was an artist herself. He befriended many (if not most) of the "cowboy artists" from the 1960's until his passing, and built an impressive collection of contemporary Western art that is still on display at the Basha's corporate headquarters in Chandler. The museum is open every weekday and admission is free!

Round about 1983, Eddie decided he wanted to hand out a gift to his friends, something unique and artistic but not too ostentatious. He commissioned his buddy, cowboy artist Mike McFarland, to create a medallion (it could also be used as a paperweight) with an Indian head on it. He had a bunch made and gave them away to all of his friends. They were a HUGE hit. His close friend Joe Beeler (1931-2006) quickly stepped up and offered to sculpt the future medallions and Eddie just as quickly agreed. Over the next 23 years, between 25 and 30 different designs were created in bronze, matte finish pewter and polished pewter, with a grand total of medallions somewhere between 1000 and 1200. In 1993 the cost was about $50 apiece, so this was a very generous gift indeed! Eddie gave them out around Christmas every year, and the recipients truly treasured them.

Upon Joe Beeler's sudden death in 2006 (he had a heart attack while in the saddle, roping cattle on his neighbor's ranch), Eddie commissioned Mike McFarland for one last medallion - the smiling face of Joe Beeler. Eddie himself passed in March of 2013, and the world lost another wonderful person.

I have known about the medallions for quite some time, but have never in the past been able to afford them. While less expensive than most of Joe Beeler's works, given the nature of the gifts, they were never in my price range until very recently. I have been lucky enough to purchase four of the bronze medallions (bronze medallions fetch a premium versus the pewter ones) and two of the pewter pieces. The fourth bronze is the earliest - Eddie's name (scribed on the back) is misspelled as "Eddee Basho". Joe was an amazing artist, but apparently not much of a speller! The other three bronzes and both pewters are later, but with the passing of both parties responsible for these amazing gifts the exact date for each may never be known by yours truly. Perhaps it's time I visit the museum in Chandler!

Untitled Medallion 1 for Eddie Basha, by Joe Beeler

Untitled Medallion 1 for Eddie Basha, by Joe Beeler, reverse

Untitled Medallion 2 for Eddie Basha, by Joe Beeler

Untitled Medallion 2 for Eddie Basha, by Joe Beeler, reverse

"Bacon Rind, Osage" Medallion for Eddie Basha, by Joe Beeler

"Bacon Rind, Osage" Medallion for Eddie Basha, by Joe Beeler, reverse

Untitled Medallion 3 for Eddie Basha, by Joe Beeler

Untitled Medallion 3 for Eddie Basha, by Joe Beeler, reverse

 Untitled Pewter Medallion 1 for Eddie Basha, by Joe Beeler, 1995

 Untitled Pewter Medallion 1 for Eddie Basha, by Joe Beeler, 1995, reverse

 Untitled Pewter Medallion 2 for Eddie Basha, by Joe Beeler

 

Untitled Pewter Medallion 2 for Eddie Basha, by Joe Beeler, reverse

David James Densmore (contemporary), Sedona Sculptor Extraordinaire!

I was recently fortunate to win at auction this lovely piece by Sedona, AZ sculptor David J. Densmore. I have not been able to find much information about the artist or his work, save that in 1967 he took top honors in sculpture at the 3rd annual Northern Arizona University student art competiton and that he had (at one time) studios both in Arizona and on the East Coast. Mr. Densmore (again at one time) was an active participant in the local Rendezvous, an event where folks re-create the annual gatherings of buckskinners, trappers, Indians and other folks of the Old West. If you picture in your mind a cross between an old-time fair, outdoor market, roundup and pow-wow, you're starting to get the picture. I like to think of the Rendezvous as being the Old West version of a Renaissance Faire.

I haven't been able to find more than a few images of the artist's other works, and so far they have all been bronzes of animals. This is the first figural piece by him that I have seen, and it is quite a beauty! The details of both the Indian and the horse are exquisite. The proportions are spot-on. The polychrome patina is delicately applied and highly intricate. Without a doubt, this is the most highly detailed and precise bronze in my collection, and I think it's absolutely breathtaking. The bronze sits on a hardwood base that has a recessed swivel, making it very easy to adjust for the perfect viewing angle. I've tried to add plenty of pictures!

The signature is a bit difficult to read, even looking through my Luxo magnifier. It is signed "DENSMORE" with the artist's sigil )-O-( and 1/30 beneath. To the right of the signature proper is what I believe to be "STUDY" and the copyright symbol with either "82" or "86" - it's a bit difficult to read. As usual with artist created, limited edition bronzes, the edition marks may be a bit misleading. It is better to think of the second number as an intended total production versus an actual number produced. It is usually more accurate to think of the top number as the actual last number known to have been made. In this case, it's only known for sure that the first of an intended thirty was created. Just because the artist planned to make thirty copies does not mean that many were actually made. It is entirely possible that this may be the only one of its kind.

As usual, if anyone knows more about either this artist or his work, please let me know!

"Study" by David J. Densmore, 1/30, 1980-something

"Study" by David J. Densmore, 1/30, 1980-something

"Study" by David J. Densmore, 1/30, 1980-something

"Study" by David J. Densmore, 1/30, 1980-something

"Study" by David J. Densmore, 1/30, 1980-something

"Study" by David J. Densmore, 1/30, 1980-something

"Study" by David J. Densmore, 1/30, 1980-something

"Study" by David J. Densmore, 1/30, 1980-something

"Study" by David J. Densmore, 1/30, 1980-something