Lot 468: Cast Iron Pointer Attributed to Fred Alten (American, 1871-1945),

Lancaster, Ohio, early 20th century. Purportedly custom made by Alten for a friend or family member while he was employed at the Alten Foundry, which produced some ornamental iron dogs as a small part of foundry production. 3.5" high x 1.5" wide x 8.5" long. See Bishop, 1978, p. 58, fig. 51, 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. Losses to paint.

Ex Collection of William and Phyllis Gilmore, Lancaster, Ohio