Character Shifter Knob Appraisal

Ed 'Big Daddy' Roth Style Character Shifter Knob

This item is a detailed sculptural object, likely intended to be a shifter knob for an automobile, depicting a caricature-style head wearing a pointed hat. The material appears to be a light-colored, possibly off-white or cream-colored, cast resin, exhibiting a smooth, matte finish. The craftsmanship is evident in the intricate details of the facial features, which include pronounced wrinkles around the eyes and mouth, a large nose, a wide, exaggerated grin revealing numerous teeth, and a textured beard and mustache. The character's expression is mischievous and whimsical, characteristic of the 'Kustom Kulture' art movement, particularly evocative of the style of Ed 'Big Daddy' Roth with his iconic Rat Fink creations, though this particular character is not Rat Fink himself. The pointed, slightly floppy hat features an embossed or raised circular design on its front, possibly a stylized 'R' or a similar manufacturer's mark, which would require closer inspection to definitively identify. The overall condition appears excellent, with no visible cracks, chips, or significant wear. The casting seems uniform, suggesting good manufacturing quality. The item's design suggests an estimated age from the mid-20th century onwards, reflecting the hot rod and custom car culture aesthetics.