[Betsy]

I recently purchased what I initially thought was a very unique painted figure named "Tex" from an antique store in Northern Indiana. Upon further inspection, I read the name Andy H.S. Anderson on top of the cowboy's hat along with the year 1936.

After some preliminary investigation, I learned a little bit about the artist and was excited and surprised that I incidently purchased something with quite a history to it. Of course the figure to my novice eye appears to be comprised of plaster rather than wood. I am assuming this may have been casted from an original wood figure. Obviously, there is probably little value in a duplicate plaster. Nonetheless, I am interested in learning if similiar plaster? figures exist, their value, and their origin. I have not found much information on the Internet.

Any insight would be appreciated!

[wade clark]

Betsy,
Welcome!
I wouldn't assume it's plaster. I have a few old woodcarvings that I thought were plaster when I picked them up, but are wood.
Someone here will tell you a lot more than I can. There are some very knowledgable and talented carvers here, some of which are pretty serious collectors. Rick at www.littleshavers.com will probably see this and help you out, but you could contact him. He has a woodcarving supply business, plus he sharpens tools very reasonably, PLUS he's a very knowledgable collector! AND he does great carvings! Lots of other good Folks on here to help you figure it out too!
Wade

[rick-in-seattle]

Betsy,
your figure is made in "Chalkware".
I have the same piece, and yes, there are others, I have a horse and Indian also.
They have limited value, but that doesn't keep me from collecting them.

If you are actually interested in Anderson's cast work, a better investment are his ceramic pieces cast by Brayton Laguna Pottery in California. (He actually worked for them)

I had an opportunity to purchase a complete "Purple Cow" series and didn't; these are by no means small pieces. There are also dogs, hillbillies, horses and Disney characters.

Andy's Cow and Calf (there is also a Bull)
http://cgi.ebay.com/BRAYTON-LAGUNA-P...QQcmdZViewItem

The Purple Cow design is based on a poem by Gelett Burgess:

I never saw a purple cow,
I never hope to see one;
But I can tell you, anyhow,
I'd rather see than be one!

[Betsy]

Thanks for the replies! I will cherish my figure no matter what it's worth.

Betsy

[AlArchie]

Rick, speaking of Disney characters, and this has really NOTHING to do with carving, here's a few pics of a Mickey Mouse tricycle I just got done restoring for my grandaughter. It was origianlly a present for my son from his aunt back in 1973, then got passed back to my nephew about ten years later, then relegated to our attic untill I took him down and went to work getting it back to decent shape for a new round of riding.