June 13, 2017

By BRIAN KRAPF

This is a rather large and heavy plaster bust of Churchill measuring about 12 inches tall and 6 inches wide. He is depicted as still a fairly young man; the piece dates to 1924–1929 when he served as Chancellor of the Exchequer in the second Baldwin cabinet. For centuries British statesmen have been the subject of plaster busts, so there is no surprise that a figure as prominent as the Chancellor of the Exchequer would be recognized as well.

During Churchill’s tenure, the bust may have been prominently displayed in a public building or in one’s home library. There is an indiscernible artist’s signature on the reverse side, indicating that the piece was either privately commissioned or not produced for a large general commercial market. In either instance, it is well executed and a fine likeness of a younger Churchill. I am pleased to include it in my collection.

Brian Krapf formerly served as President of the American Political Items Collectors.

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