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Artists Proof #1 RMEF Record Bronze Elk Heads

Currency:USD Category:Art Start Price:1,000.00 USD Estimated At:7,500.00 USD
Artists Proof #1 RMEF Record Bronze Elk Heads
The History of the RMEF Record Head Bronze Set

When the Rocky Mtn. Elk Foundation held its first convention in 1984 in Spokane WA, the top four B & C record elk heads were on display. Four exhibiting sculptors in attendance; Allan Schwindt, Dennis Jones, Jim Stafford and Jack Loggozo, proposed to the RMEF officers, that a series of the heads be created in Bronze and sold at their upcoming fundraisers. Over a period of a few months the details of the plan were worked out, the artists had completed their original models of the four heads and the project was off and running in 1985. Nearly every RMEF Chapter then sold a set, usually at auction at their annual events. Many of the sets sold for as much as $6000 over the next few years. Early on in this process, one set of Artist’s Proofs, (AP#1) were cast and were then in the personal collection of Allan Schwindt, one of the artists. He is now making this set available to the Lewis & Clark Chapter of SCI to be auctioned at their 2018 fundraiser in Portland Oregon on April 21. This is the only set of Artist’s proofs ever cast of this series, which makes it far more valuable than a regular edition set.

Soon after the creation of the set of four heads, a Roosevelt Elk from Oregon was established as a new B & C record. Allan Schwindt then arranged with the owner to create a bronze sculpture of it in the same scale as the set of four noted above. An Artist’s Proof, AP#1, of this head was then added, making the set of 5 being offered on April 21.

Since these heads were presented in 1985, all of them have been replaced in their standing by new entries. Their present standings and the hunter’s names are listed below:

#1 Rocky Mtn Elk scored 442 3/8. It was taken by John Plute in 1899 in Dark Canyon Colorado. In 2018 it ranks #2 in B & C records.

#2 Rocky Mtn Elk scored 441 6/8. It was taken by an unknown hunter in about 1890 in the Bighorn Mtns. Of Wyoming. In 2018 it ranks #3 in B & C.

#3 Rocky Mtn Elk scored 419 5/8. It was taken by Clarence Brown in 1977 in Panther River Alberta. In 2018 it ranks #8 in B & C records.

#4 Rocky Mtn Elk scored 419 4/8. It was taken by Fred Mercer in 1958 near Ruby River Montana. In 2018 it ranks #9 in B & C records.

#1 Roosevelt Elk scored 384 3/8. It was taken by Bob Sharpe in 1949 near Tillamook Oregon. In 2018 it ranks #4 in B & C records.

RESERVE PRICE MUST BE MET
Donor: Allen Schwindt