picaninny caricature jocko lawn jockey

By DebMac, 3 July, 2013

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

For Sale?

Yes

Photos