Original Butchers Bristle Advertising Cow

A standing butcher's display cow, crafted with a dense covering of coarse natural bristle over a papier-mâché form. This tactile piece was specifically designed for prominent display in a shop window or on a counter, serving as an eye-catching advertisement for cuts of meat.

This particular example dates to the mid-20th century, likely the 1960s or 70s, making it a classic piece of post-war retail ephemera. The small enamel sign it carries, however, is significantly older, dating from the 1920s to 40s. The bristle shows expected surface wear, some compaction, and dust accumulation consistent with decades of indoor display. It carries a robust, honest patina from its working life in a Hastings butcher's shop.

The addition of the earlier enamel 'Choice 8D per LB' sign, a charming detail from a bygone era of imperial pricing, gives this piece a specific period character. This combination, whether an original pairing or a later marriage, creates a tangible link to traditional British high street commerce and the artistry of shop displays.