“Little Mary” model sale by Hindman Auctioneers

From time to time, we’ll post descriptions of interesting or unusual Columbian Exposition items for sale or up for auction. Leslie Hindman Auctioneers of Chicago is offering an interesting item related to the 1893 World’s Fair in their Sale 530: “Fine Furniture, Decorative Arts and Silver” on October 16-17, 2017. A golden Statue of the Republic model is item number 707. The item is described as

“A Gilt Plaster Model of the Statue of the Republic / after Daniel Chester French, 20th century / raised on a stepped square base. Height overall 39 1/2 inches … In decent, stable condition. With fairly bright even finish, possibly repainted. Orb with bird detached, wings broken off bird but retained.”

I visited the auction house to take a look at the item and agree that the statue appears to have a fresh coat of gold paint. Her right hand is missing the orb and eagle; they are present, though with a broken wing, as noted. In her left hand is a staff, but there is nothing on top. In French’s original 1893 statue, “Big Mary,” the staff was topped by a “cap of knowledge” (a.k.a. the “Phrygian cap” or “liberty cap”). The smaller replica cast and installed in Jackson Park in 1918 replaced the cap with a “liberty” plaque adorned with a laurel wreath. Given the fidelity of this model to the original, it seems likely that one or the other topper is missing. The inside of this model statue is hollow and has no noticeable markings to indicate the maker or date.

I have seen another example of this model Statue of the Republic, though not in as good condition. The owner thought that it was from the 1940s and served as a centerpiece for some event. I might venture a guess that it was for a celebration of the Columbian Exposition’s 50th anniversary in 1943 and would welcome information from any readers who might be know more about the origin of these statue models.

UPDATE: The model did not sell at the October 17 Hindman auction.