This awesome art object was part of a collection featured in Los Angeles Magazine, April 2010 issue. It originally belonged to a man who, after building his Silver Lake Hills (Los Angeles) home in 1926, spent many decades of the 20th century filling the double-basements with unique collectibles, antiques & oddities. He and his wife lived there and continued collecting over their entire lives. In the early 2000s, when the wife died after the passing of her husband, all of the contents of the basements remained with the house as it moved on to its second occupant (who was interviewed for the magazine article/photo spread). 

Hand carved from a single piece of wood, this charming double-sided art object features a railroad man in profile, reclining in a chair with his feet up on a stool, straight off the job & still in his Wabash striped overalls, taking a rest under a big yellow umbrella. The hand-carving is dimensional and a bit primitive, with Railroad Man's features roughly whittled (eg., creases in his overalls, outlines of his arms, etc.). The umbrella is made of a very heavy paper and rotates on its metal pole a full 360 degrees. The paint is water-resistant, yet the construction needs protection from the elements; therefore, one might refer to it as an "indoor weathervane." Perhaps use in a covered patio? On an indoor bar? For your guests' amusement in the powder room?  The vast possibilities beckon your creativity and wit!

Makes a great gift for the guy/gal who has everything... or who digs 1950s retro kitsch... or yellow umbrellas... or hickory stripe overalls... or who works/ed for the railroad... or whose name is Martin... or who was born in 1956... or......?!?!

This unique treasure is in quite decent shape considering its age. Railroad Man is flawless; the umbrella's got some flaws, bends, wear and imperfections that are as expected with vintage, handmade items. See photos/video. It measures a little over 10" high x 11" wide x 2.5" deep (umbrella) to 1/2" deep (wood carving).  Displays wonderfully & is a great conversation starter!

Copy of Los Angeles Magazine article & photo spread (very awesome!) available with purchase.  

PLEASE SEE PHOTOS, AND MESSAGE ME WITH ANY QUESTIONS. 

...We will be listing many more items from this collection over time.  They are hard to part with... but they are treasures well-deserving of a trip out of the basement and into a new home! <3