Negro Dudes

The Schoenhut Negro Dudes
Schoenhut called this figure the "Negro Dude". He appears to have been modeled after the minstrels popular at the time of the Humpty Dumpty circus. Minstrels were most usually a stage act.
Photo by Jim Sneed from the collection of Judith Lile Two-part Head The two-part head dude was dressed with a black coat, black or light brown shoes, black (rarely white) hat, checkered pants tied to the shoes, a white vest (rarely yellow), a white shirt with red dots or other small designs, and a red and green bowtie. The pants are cut so that the pattern runs diagonally. The pants are usually black and white but sometimes found in brown and white. He has a collar made of stiffened shirt material. This one still retains his lapel flower. Keller Style I - Very Scarce Photo by Jim Sneed from the collection of Andy Yaffee Photo by Jim Sneed from the collection of Judith Lile Photo by Jim Sneed from the collection of Jim Sneed Special Dude This is the only Dude we've seen in this costume. It was found unrestored and with its original stringing. This Dude is unusual because its vest is red with white polka-dots, its pants are not checkered, its shirt and collar have a blue and black print. This example's hat has been restored.	Photo by Judith Lile One-part Head The one-part head was dressed in a yellow vest, purple coat, and white hat. He has the same pants which are untied and cut so that the pattern is horizontal. Notice the different design of the leg ankle. Keller Style II - Uncommon Photo by Judith Lile Photo by Jim Sneed from the collection of Jim Sneed
Photo by Judith Lile One-part Head There can be a lot of differences in the face expressions of these pieces. Photo by Jim Sneed One-part Head The machining groves are evident on the head of this example. This head shows the same design as that of the one-part head clowns. Notice the forehead pattern.	African Native - Faced Dude We think that after Schoenhut stopped producing its Teddy Roosevelt sets, they found that they had a number of African native heads remaining in their inventory, so they added leather ears and made Dudes. Some collectors consider them as another version of the African Chief for Teddy Roosevelt sets but it is much more likely that Schoenhut's intention was to substitute for Dudes. Evidence of this are Dude dress and the addition of leather ears that protrude from the head like other circus actors (ears of Teddy Roosevelt personnel were glued flat against their heads). Also, this Dude version is relatively abundant compared to other Teddy Roosevelt figures. This Dude's vest is usually yellow but orange ones are sometimes found. Very Scarce Photo by Jim Sneed Photo by Jim Sneed from the collection of Susan Turner
A poster advertising a circus minstrel show. Photo by Jim Sneed from the collection of Gene Metcalf Two - part head with purple coat	Photo by Judith Lile Reduced size The reduced size negro dude was dressed much like the regular size. His hat, however, was made of wood. Photo by Judith Lile Photo by Jim Sneed from the collection of Susan Turner
Photo by Jim Sneed from the collection of Jim Sneed