Vintage 1950s Carnival Amusement Park Midway Game Time Circus Clown Head & Can
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:634191 | Modified Item: No |
| Country/Region of Manufacture: United States |
Vintage 1950s Carnival Midway Clown Head Trash Can TopperIncludes Original 55-Gallon Drum Trash CanMid-Century Americana Carnival MemorabiliaExcellent Condition!Made in the U.S.A. by Game Time of Litchfield, MichiganProtected from the Elements & Spent Most of Its Life IndoorsClown Head Is Cast Aluminum/55-Gallon Drum Is SteelClown Head Measures: 25” Wide (At the Base) x 26” High, 20” Wide (Noseto Nose)55-Gallon Drum Measures: 22.5” Wide x 35” HighLocal Pickup Only (D...ue to Its Size and Weight)In the 1950s, Game Time manufacturing of Litchfield, Michigan beganproducing these large, double-sided heads from cast aluminum for “clown toss”carnival games. Similar to bean bag tossgames (also known as corn hole — where a kernel filled bag is tossed underhandinto a hole in a piece of wood), the clown toss carnival game was once playedby two opponents or opposing teams positioned on opposite sides of a carnivalbooth. Players would toss corn kernelfilled bags from one side and try to get their bag into the clown’s openedmouth. Their opponent did the same thing from the other side of the booth. The winner got a prize to take home. The same clown heads were also re-purposed asdecorative trash can covers with an additional collar welded onto the bottom tofit atop a 55-gallon drum. Regardless ofpurpose, both variations could be found along carnival, amusement park, andboardwalk midways for decades. Eventually, they began to disappear from most venues in the 1980s.I do not know the origin of this particular piece’s carny heyday, buthave been in possession of it for it approximately seven years. When the elementary school, in which I teachart, was slated to have its heating and air conditioning system redone, thiswas brought down from the attic space and added to the pile of unnecessary “junk”to be discarded. According to theprevious principal, it was positioned at the front of the school (under anextended cantilevered roof) from the late 1980s into the early 1990s. She did not remember from where it came. Apparently, it rattled a few students (deathly afraidof clowns) who refused to go near it, which signaled the end of its days as anentryway greeter. It was then moved upinto the attic storage area where it was forgotten and gathered dust for thenext two decades. I saved it from thelandfill and its home has been my art room ever since. However, I no longer have room for it andwould like to see it live on with an audience to appreciate it.I’ve seen other clown heads over the years, including those currentlyfor sale here on eBay. This one is inthe best original condition I’ve ever found. Not only that, but it also includes theoriginal 55-gallon drum to accompany it. There is a gap in some areas along the seam where both halves of thehead were welded together. Although afew areas of wear exist, the paint is vibrant and the finish is shiny. There are three 1/2-13 threaded holes aroundbase with tightening screws still included which lock the head onto thedrum. The base also features an extended“tab” with a hole which was probably used to attach a cable or chain to a fixedobject in order to prevent the head from being stolen. The 55-gallon drum does have a few dents and dings here and there and is painted anoff-white, almond color with a matte finish. I’ve tried to explain it in as great detail as possible, but pleaserefer to the 12 attached pictures I’ve taken of it (from different angles) inorder to see for yourself.*I am an honest seller and take pride in the 100% positive feedbackrating I've been able to retain over the past 19 years. All items are sold "as is" withfully detailed descriptions and pictures. If you have any questions, please ask before buying.
