Belleville IL. is a town, incorporated as a city in 1850. Known in the late 1890's for agriculture and industrial development, but also for their very popular street fairs on East Main St. In 1900, at the Belleville Street Fair, the mascot, or possibly the fair marshal, was a fictional character called "Hello Bill." This wonderful example of carved workmanship and American Folk-art is a full sized figure of "Hello Bill," that possibly graced the city square during the street fair. Carrying a stalk of tobacco and a moonshine jug, this wooden figure has all original paint, an original carved hat and long corncob pipe, and is in immaculate condition for its age. Comes with a pin-back button of the same year showing a depiction of "Hello Bill". CONDITION: Original paint shows some crazing, but is stable and not lifting. The are no signs of repairs or damage, and the figure shows wonderful patina. This is not a standard shippable item and will require 3rd party shipping or pickup arrangements to be made. Condition: (8.7). Dimensions: 22" x 19" x 68".