Racetrack Tout Tobacconist Figure

Attributed to Charles Dowler (1841-1931)

Providence, Rhode Island, ca. 1880’s

Carved wood, polychrome paint decorated

The fully carved figure of a tastefully dressed gentleman wearing a top hat, sporting a mustache and holding a cigar aloft in one hand represents a

racetrack tout, a person who was found giving advice on associated bets for the upcoming races. Radiating confidence and success, this tout embodies all the characteristics seen in such a well known figure from American popular culture of the 19th c.  Although there are only a few examples of racing touts that have survived fully intact, this example is perhaps one of the best known. A full condition report has been prepared by the renown restorer Peter Deen.

Provenance: From the Collection of Andy Williams