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Julius Theodore Melchers (1829-1909) worked almost exclusively in the Detroit, Michigan area. He was widely considered one of the finest and most influential wood carvers of his time. Born in Prussia, Melchers received his training abroad, he emigrated to America in 1852, settling in Detroit. His earliest carvings date from the Civil War Era. The few surviving examples of his work are in great demand by collectors.
This rare and extraordinary figure was carved circa 1867 and represents "Captain Jack" or "Chief Red Jacket." A famous photograph of Schott Bros. Tobacco Shop in Lincoln, Illinois, a circa 1895 photograph of a nearly identical carving (p. 146, Fred Fried's Artists in Wood).
This Indian was used as a display figure in the Brockmeyer Cigar Company in St. Louis, Missouri into the 20th C. It was purchased from a direct living Brockmeyer descendant. Retains its original paint and patina with overpainting. Some repairs to the feet and face, replaced pedestal block. Height: 76".
Extensive research on the Brockmeyer Cigar Company accompanies this carving.
Price: $90,000
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