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Auctions and Antiques Examiner
Auctionwally's appraisal for a flapper statue
Gatsby-esque flapper statue
Background: Given as wedding gift by friend who purchased it from an estate sale and says it overlooked the pool at a Gatsby-esque mansion for over 100 years. I had it appraised at a local road show, and the guy thought at first that it was probably a reproduction, since it was 2 pieces molded together instead of one piece, and because it doesn't carry a stamp or artist signature. However, he also said that he's very familiar with this type of statue, and if it WAS a reproduction, he probably would have seen a copy before--but our statue is unique. So his appraisal ranged from $300-$1500...not too helpful to us. Hope you can help more!
AW says: I have to respectfully disagree with the first opinion on this statue for the following reasons: brass or bronze statues, unlike wood, are not carved, rather they are cast in a mold. So there would be a mold mark on an original statue made of either of these metals. This alone of course does not make it authentic.
Also, some artists, simply did not sign their work but if and original was signed, then a reproduced piece would be signed as well. Again, this offers nothing either way,.. so far. It would be impossible for this to have stood in a mansion yard for over 100 years, as it clearly depicts a "flapper". The heyday of the flapper was in the 1920s, so the math doesn't work. In my opinion, this is too late of a period to be a reproduction. What I mean by that is, reproductions are usually copied from well known, time tested works of art. The resurgence of interest in the flapper era did not come about until the mid-1970s. So there would have been no reason to reproduce the statue BEFORE then. It just wouldn't have been economically feasible. And clearly, with the wear, patina and background story, this is not later than the mid 1970s, so I'd say your statue is original.
I also think your original appraiser was wrong on the value.
What I do agree with your original appraiser is that I too have never seen a copy of this statue, giving weight to it being an original.
Date range: 1920s
Retail value: $3000-$3,500. If you were to find out somehow that is artist signed by an important sculptor, then all bets are off and this price goes out the window, you statue would be worth more. Artist's signatures can be VERY hard to find, especially with oxidation discoloration, there is a good chance you missed it, check it thoroughly with a magnifying glass in good lighting.
(top price)
Wholesale value: $2500-$3000
(The midrange price you could expect to achieve at a well advertised live auction. The price that is most often realized)
Quick sale value: $1500 ( I would not suggest a quick sale of such an item.)
The price your likely to get if you have to sell your item immediately and your prospective customer is aware of this.
Common trade terminology: Flapper bronze statue , 1920s era, Gatsby,
Care and storage tips: Don't polish! Leave it just as is.
Topics: antiques , statues , bronzes , brass statue , flapper , gatsby
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