I need some help guys... I purchased a bronze Cavallino today that is about 6' tall. I was told by the current owner (who is about the 3rd owner) that this horse was owned by a Chicago Ferrari dealer in the 60's. The current owner is NOT a Ferrari guy. When the dealership sold (I do not know when) this Cavallino became available. He was told that the dealership was torn down and a hotel was built in its place... Now, keep in mind this Cavallino is sitting out in his front yard in a very remote area of KS, I just happened to see it and asked him the story... ... at the end of the story, the negoiations started. I want this sculpture regardless, but if there is a Chicago connection, I am curious to find out... the horse is without question a Ferrari cavallino, however it was cast with both back legs down... ok guys, what do you know? ps. I will post pics in about a week, I did not have a camera with me..
There is a very similar one near Summerfield North Carolina at a metalworkers shop. Mrs. JRR forbade me from even asking if it was for sale. You know, there's also one at VIR (scroll through the pix to see it): http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showpost.php?p=135116716&postcount=16
LOL I understand the "Miss's factor" I had to use a very serious case of "Dick Cheney" Haliburton accounting when I told my wife I bought it...
Cris, If you have found something that you can confirm was from a '60's dealership, then by all means, grab it. If nothing else, it will look really good in your yard.
Now all you need to keep it company is: http://www.hammacher.com/publish/10921.asp?source=overture&keyword=robby%20the%20robot&cm_ven=NewGate&cm_cat=overture&cm_pla=Gift%20Preview05&cm_ite=robby%20the%20robot
Just moving from Chicago to Cincy - I have a lot of stories about Horse Heads in Chicago back in the 60's - but none on sculptures But here is how I can help: Give Lake Forest or Continential a call in Chicago - they have been around for a while - they would know potentially if there was a dealer in the 60's. Do you know if it was downtown? Somewere amoungst several boxes of books - I have a few Ferrari Books from the 60's and 70's - in the back sometimes there is a list of autorized ferrari dealers by state. If I can find one of the books that has information - I will let you know - also Wayne Ashbrooks and a few other resident experts on anything historical could help you with a name or lead... Rich Wallace
Forgive the spelling but it could have come from the late Joe Marcetti's Ferrari dealership in downtown Chicago, Joe also owned the famous Como Inn rest. Joe was very instrumental in establishing Ferraris in Chicago and the historic races at Road America. However people did not give Joe all the credit that he deserved for his contribution to the love of cars. He was a true car crazy person. I will always think fondly of Joe, since he first invited my replicar to attend his private gatherings at his family estate and the first few Ferraris on Oak Street events. Even thou it was a replicar he still respected a person's toy, no matter real or not. Even when one jerk complained about my toy at the event Joe calmly told the irate person that I would be staying in the event but he could leave anytime he wanted. Joe was pure class in my eyes.
Hi,Chris. Hey,could you send us a Photo of it when you get her all settled in? Those Big,Bronze cavalino Statues are Awesome! Thanks! And,yes. I beleive that Daytona Rick may be correct about where that Statue came from. Some of the "Ferrari Oldtimers" from around here would probably know for sure. Try Mike E. I bet he knows.
What's next Chris, your own dealership maybe?? Invite me to the opening! What else will you do with this sculpture? Entrance to your garage? Center display in the back garden? You are probably wondering yourself what to do with it, eh? I am also curious, as I see standing horse sculptures frequently (being out West), how does one distinguish a Cavallino from a non-Cavallino? What should I look for to find that Ferrari memorabilia? Another Cavallino question: Was there ever a sculpture of Enzo riding a Cavallino?
There is some sculptor in Italy that makes bronze horses worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. I know you can research it by searching for info on the Bronco's stadium bronze sculpture display. Maybe you landed on something really special! Anyone who would buy a Ferrari dealership is liable to spend that kind of money on something, although I am not sure if this artist would have been working in the 60's. Maybe an adolescent Picasso in the making. Hey, if nothing else, I think it qualifies as 'antique.' Put the sucker on ebay! Don't forget to put "antique" in the title!
Jim, you are probably correct, I posted in "Chicago" and here... I think it will help when I post pics next sunday, thats when I will be back over on that side of the state.
Joe Marchetti had a dealership/showroom in Chicago during that period -- I can't remember the name, but it was something like "International Motors." He owned the Como Inn on Milwaukee Avenue, one of Chicago's oldest and most interesting restaurants, and site of a lot of Ferrari meets and meetings through the '80s at least. He had a shop called "Toto" something, just around the corner from the Como, where quite a few old Ferraris were stored. Joe also had an estate which was the site of an annual FCA concours. Joe died several years ago, and I understand the Como Inn is now closed. I don't remember ever seeing a big prancing horse at any of these locations, but if the story is true, I'd be almost certain that Joe Marchetti was somehow involved.
I think we are on the right track.... as I was told from the gentlemen I bought this from that the origional owner had passed away. It seems certain the Mr. Marchetti was the origional owner, now I just need to figure more about the details of the statue and how Joe used it... Thank you very much for your comments... Chris
I don't understand how this is without a question a Ferrari cavallino if it's different?? If it's a Ferrari one, wouldn't it have one leg up?? Just because it's a bronze horse why is it definately a Cavallino??
Hi Chris, better keep that statue out of reach of all your dogs!! this will be for them , like a fire hydrant! Roland F40LM
It is extremely difficult to cast the Cavallino on one leg, you either create some kind of artificle support like rocks around the one leg that is down or you end up with both legs down... Current casting processes have created the ability to cast with one leg down, but this piece is 40 years old. You are correct that it is not 100% identical, but every other feature is true to the Ferrari Cavallino and when viewed, there is no question it is as true to the Cavallino as possible... By the way, there are actually several variations of the Cavallino...
Horses never rear on one leg. That amount of weight would damage the delicate bones in the pastern. Your bronze would therefore be accurate. Here's a picture of my six inch Cavallino Rampante bronze: Image Unavailable, Please Login
Barry, I love your Cavallino! I will post pics next sunday, while I wish this horse was 100% "Cavallino" I think it is accurate enough to be out side the Ferrari garage at the house... Thanks for posting your pic, it is one of nicest Cavallino's I have seen.
They're still available for sale... several of these (or at least very similar) were on display with price tags attached at the FCA National Meet in Indianapolis last July. Barry -- that *is* a nice piece!!
