|
The Gent Acrobats |
|
|
Schoenhut made the gent acrobats in three basic
designs - the two-part molded head, the bisque head, and the one-part
molded head.
|
|
Photo by Jim Sneed from the collection of Andy Yaffee
Gent Acrobat - two-part Head
The two-part head gent acrobat was the first made. This head is made
much like those of the bandsmen - a molded front was glued to a back.
The back is likely a wood turning with one side flattened.
Photo by Jim Sneed from the collection of Judith Lile
Photo by Jim Sneed from the collection of Andy Yaffee
|
Photo by Jim Sneed from the collection of Jim Sneed
Gent Acrobat - bisque head The Gent Acrobat is most often found in the
bisque head version. Hair is usually black or brown but red-brown and blonde
are known. Shoes
of all acrobats are made in two parts - the bottom part being slotted
front to back, and side to side. Unfortunately, the soles often fall
off.
Photo by Jim Sneed from the collection of Jim Sneed
Gent Acrobat - bisque head
This is a very pretty color combination - green over red with gold rickrack.
|
The Wallenda family performs in circuses to this day.
They are especially famous for their high wire acts.
Three of today's Wallendas - Olinka, Aurelia, and Tino
after a performance in Charleston SC on May 2006 in Circus Flora.
Here they are shown performing the exciting Seven- Person Pyramid at Circus Flora.
Click on either of the thumbnails to see a larger
picture.
|
|
Photo by Judith Lile
Gent Acrobat - one-part Head
Unlike the case with most performers, the one-part head gent acrobat
is probably the rarest gent acrobat. This very pretty example is dressed in a
yellow top over blue shorts. The braiding is the later yellow cloth
version.
Photo by Judith Lile
|
Photo by Jim Sneed from the collection of Susan Turner
Strong Man - one-part head
This gent acrobat has the goatee of a ringmaster. Schoenhut referred
to him sometimes as the "strong man".
|
Photo by Jim Sneed from the collection of Susan Turner
Bisque head gent acrobat
Photo by Jim Sneed from the collection of Jim Sneed
|
|
Photo by Jim Sneed from the collection of Jim Sneed
The red, brown, and black hair colors are evident in this threesome.
There are likely blond gents but we have not been able to photograph
one. Their suit tops can be yellow, blue, red, or green.
The red hair compared with the brown hair bisque heads. |
Photo by Jim Sneed from the collection of Jim Kramer
Gent Acrobat bisque head, black hair
This early bisque head gent acrobat has very heavy gold braiding. 
Photo by Jim Sneed from the collection of Gene Metcalf
|
Photo by Jim Sneed from the collection of Susan Turner
Gent Acrobat, bisque head, black hair
Later, the gold braiding was replaced with yellow cloth braiding.
|
|
Photo by Jim Sneed from the collection of Judith Lile
The Chinese and Gent acrobats perform for you
|
