Executed in Brooklyn circa 1900.

Fred Giampietro, New Haven, Connecticut

Charlotte Dinger, The Art of the Carousel (New Jersey: 1983), illus. p.72.

Overall condition of paint is good and appears to be original with some touch-ups in areas in saddle and saddle blanket, as is consistent with wear and use of object.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Charles Looff arrived in America in 1870. He first worked in Brooklyn as a furniture carver, but he soon convinced the owner of the Coney Island beach pavilion to install a handcrafted carousel. His days spent working as a furniture craftsman, he worked on the carousel at night in a basement, where he carved and painted every animal by himself. His carousel combined a mixture of horses and menagerie animals, decorated with etched mirror ornaments that came to be known as The Coney Island style. Finishing the Coney Island carousel in 1876, Looff embarked as a successful career as a carousel craftsman. As the demand for his carousels increased, Looff hired a number of talented carvers, including Marcus Charles Illions, Charles Carmel and John Zalar.