A vintage 1930s hand painted butcher’s shop display cured ham leg replica

A wonderful vintage hand painted English papier mâché replica of a cured ham leg, dating to the late 1930’s / early 1940s.

Originally these faux meat products acted like trade signs, hung within the shop window of a butchers, advertising the nature of the business even when the business was closed and food not on display. Similarly these charming replicas of food would convey a convincing display of what the butcher had for sale without risking the real produce spoiling. Another point to make is their use during the rationing during WW2, when shops would very rarely have large pieces of meat to display.

Genuine WW2 era and Victorian faux food display items have become an increasingly collectible market. This example is well formed and a good life size example. It certainly makes for a quaint reminder of a bygone era and the hard times faced during the Second World War.

With wonderful hand painted details, and just the right amount of age related wear and tear. Perfect to display within a kitchen as a conversation piece, alternatively a great display item for a shop.

With a realistic ‘cut end’ design, showing the texture and colour off the meat.

The fragile papier maché has survived well and is found with the original waxed coating, giving a lovely sheen to the piece.

There is a simple suspension hole to the top which allows for it to be hung. The hanging s hook is supplied, this is most likely not original.

Dimensions:-

Length - 49.5cm

Length including hook - 52.7cm

Widest point - 30.5cm

Depth - 13cm

Overall in good condition with minor parting to just an area on one joint at the top.

Some minor surface losses and slight discolouration.