Duff Tweed takes the Bull by the Horns - New Addition - Cowboys and Bull Carving

Howdy Partners!

We have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of this Western style set of three carvings by Duff Tweed.   Without an official name for this piece from good 'ol Sheriff Duff, we're calling it "Taking The Bull by the Horns".  If and when we officially get a name for this piece, we'll correct it.  Please read all the way to the end of this post as it contains a retyped letter I received from the family who sold this piece and added it to our collection.  It tells the story of how their family acquired the carvings.

There is so much to share about this piece, where does one start?  OK, first and foremost, we have never seen this piece before so until we hear otherwise we'll assume it was made in a very limited edition or is a one-of-a-kind.  Next, it is signed "DUFF TWEED 63" which is now the second piece in the collection with "'63" noted on the piece.  Even better, he signed it in green which we have never seen until today. See below:

The action conveyed in this set is just fantastic.  The bull is literally crushing the foot of the cowboy holding his horns and the other cowboy has just taken a kick to the head.  Below are three close-ups so you can see and appreciate their expressions (and pain).

Now for the letter from Mike and LeAnn in "Western" hehe, New York:

Dear Joe,

Thanks for your purchase of the Duff Tweed "picture" carving of the two cowboys and kicking cow.

Here is the best understanding of the way we arrived at owning the piece.

Sylvia Jones' father-in-law, Alan Jones was the owner of the artwork.  He went to Texas in his younger days and rode with the Texas Rangers.  Then, later he traveled to California.  He got married to June in 1953.  He either bought the Tweed at that time, or may have received it for a gift.

He found Duff Tweed to be an engaging artist, and liked the comical, cartoon nature of this piece.  He liked it well enough to display it in his family room for many years.  It is certainly a unique work.

We have owned the piece (Mike and LeAnn - the sellers) since Alan passed on many years ago.  We liked the work as well and hung it in our son's room where the whole room had a cowboy/western theme.

Our young son is now grown up, and turning 24.  He no longer wants the Duff Tweed in his room, and we have been forced to down size.  This piece is now yours.  Please enjoy it, display it, and share the comical joy it has brought us these many years.

Blessings on you and keep looking up!

Sincerely,

Michael and LeAnn

Thank you Michael and LeAnn (and your son) for allowing us to share this piece with the world.  Additionally, thank you for your kind words!  I feel this carving is one of the most exceptional Duff Tweed carvings I have seen and will greatly appreciate it's presence for decades to come.  I have already shown it to several friends and family members who just fell in love with it!
THANK YOU!

After receiving, photographing and hanging the carving, I got into a cowboy kinda mood, so here's a quick joke to close out todays post.

A guy decides to try bull riding, even though he has had no lessons or prior experience. He mounts the bull unassisted & the bull immediately springs into motion. It runs along at a jerky pace, but the guy begins to slip from the saddle. In terror, he grabs for the bull's horns, but cannot seem to get a firm grip. He tries to throw his arms around the bull's neck, but he slides down the side of the bull anyway. The bull runs along, seemingly impervious to its slipping rider. Finally, giving up his frail grip, he leaps away from the bull to try & throw himself to safety. Unfortunately, his foot has become entangled in the stirrup & he is now at the mercy of the bull's pounding hooves as his head is struck against the ground again & again. As his head is battered against the ground, he is mere moments away from unconsciousness when........






the puzzled Wal-Mart manager runs out to shut the bull off.



Hope you enjoyed this post of what is truly one of Duff Tweeds best carvings.  I guess I'm partial to all of them, but this one speaks volumes without saying a word, as all Duff's works do.

All the best!
-Joe