1: A 1933 KANSAS PRISON FOLK ART GIFT TO GOVERNOR'S SON

The carved walnut folk art pull toy with a political agenda was made by an inmate of the Kansas state penitentiary in Lansing for the son of then Governor Alf Landon. It was later purchased from the estate of Alf Landon (1887 - 1987), 26th Governor of the state of Kansas. His family confirmed it was a gift to the governor's son John.

The figural walnut elephant on a long trapezoidal platform wears the blanket of the G.O.P. above a framed image of Governor Landon. The platform is carved with bas relief letters against a stippled ground spelling the governor's son's name on one side and his birthdate on the other. Stippled reserve areas behind the lettering retain traces of gilt decoration. The pachyderm's ears mounted on swivels move forward and back. The long handle is carved Topeka 29th in relief, perhaps reference to the 29th Kansas House District of Topeka.

Similar carved walnut folk art objects have been found around the region. See the next two lots.
Measures 13.5 x 39.5 x 6 inches.
Very good original condition throughout, noting that one wheel is a replacement, no other damage, repair or heavy wear.
Provenance: The Estate of the Legendary Collector J. Loyd Davis, Prairie Village, KS.
$400 - $600