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Description
I am looking for a value on this cast iron "Jocko" lawn jockey. From what information I have found so far on the piece, it is from the late 1800s, there is no identifying foundery mark (apparently not uncommon for this particular piece). It is called a "picaninny caricature" possibly inspired by Harriet Beecher Stowe's "Uncle Tom's Cabin". The first figure of this type was produced in 1860.
Category
Black Memorabilia
Medium
cast iron
Distinguishing marks
cap has bow tie on it
Condition
Good
Size and dimensions of this item
base is 15" x 15" wide and approx. 10" H . Figure is approx. 23" H. Overall height (base + figure) is 33"
Date Period
late 1800s to early 1900s
Weight
base is approx. 65 lb. figure is approx. 65 lb. Total weight approx. 130 lbs.
History
There is a story that George Washington had left his horses in the care of a 12 year old slave boy named Jocko Graves (1776), at the crossing of the Delaware River. the boy froze to death in the cold and Washington was "inspired" by the boys' heroism that he had a statue created in Jocko's honor, calling it the "Faithful groomsman".
Price Paid (If known)
none
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