Lot 469: Cast Iron Dalmatian Attributed to Fred Alten (American, 1871-1945)

Lancaster, Ohio, early 20th century, similar in form and construction to Lot 468. 4" high x 1.5" wide x 6.5" long. See Bishop, 1978, p. 72, fig. 67 for the exact example. Fred Alten, who carved small wooden animal sculptures while living in Michigan, moved back to Lancaster, Ohio, where he worked at the Alten Foundry and Machine Works founded by his brother, Henry. Research indicates that Alten apparently made some metal castings while working at the foundry. A self-taught artist, Alten's inspiration appears to have been drawn both from nature and the 1880 edition of Johnson's Book of Nature. Repairs to tail and some losses to paint.

Ex Collection of William and Phyllis Gilmore, Lancaster, Ohio