We have always considered and collected these commercial masks and helmets as industries tribal art. Examples can be elegant in their simplicity or bazaar and complex. They are always unique, suprising and filled with personality.
Rare German 1800s Anatomical Horse Model, Signed A.M.Sommer
This is an important handmade large scale papier mâché anatomical model of a horse. It's close to two thirds scale and over four foot long. At the turn of the century France and Berlin were known for their elaborate teaching models. We just returned from Berlin with a few rare examples. This horse is a real surprise. I've been hunting for years and have never seen an example like this not in books or museums. It's hand signed by a known Berlin maker M.A. Sommer. It looks as if it was very well taken care of. There is some older restoration that was professionally done. There is a piece missing over the left front leg. It does dismantle showing many detailed pieces. The head even is removable and splits in half. The platform is wood and the interior frame is hand formed iron. H 42 in. x W 49 in. x D 14 in... $7500
