A relic from the smoke and sawdust days of American carnivals, this large Charlie McCarthy chalkware figure is a rare survivor of a golden, glitter-dusted era. Standing boldly in vibrant hues of yellow, orange, and green, Charlie’s signature top hat, monocle, and devilish grin are instantly recognizable—captured here in plaster and sparkle. Even more remarkably, this piece retains its original silver glitter accents, a detail often lost to time.
 
Charlie McCarthy, the debonair ventriloquist dummy and sharp-tongued persona of Edgar Bergen, was a radio sensation during the 1930s and 1940s. With his top hat, tuxedo, and cheeky wit, Charlie was no mere puppet—he was a cultural phenomenon. His banter with Bergen captivated Depression-era audiences, offering escapism, humor, and a touch of strange charisma that made him a favorite of vaudeville-goers.
 
During that same era, chalkware figures like this one became staples of American carnivals and traveling fairs. Molded from inexpensive plaster and painted by hand, these fragile treasures were handed out as prizes for skill games—trophies that were meant to be fleeting, but often became cherished mantelpiece oddities. Their bright colors and glittering surfaces echoed the loud, chaotic joy of the midway, and their themes ranged from saints to celebrities to cartoon characters.
 
Condition: This example is in exceptionally well-preserved condition for its age. The only visible flaw is a small chip on the back of Charlie’s hat (as shown in photos), otherwise the paint and glitter are stunningly vibrant with minimal wear. The figure stands solid and displays beautifully.
 
A rare fusion of celebrity kitsch, carnival lore, and folk art—a ghost of laughter echoing from the midway, still smiling nearly a century later.