This is a Thomas Brooks carved wooden cigar store Indian maiden from Lead, South Dakota made circa 1880. The Indian figure was purchased from the family of James J. Green, who acquired the piece from a cigar factory he purchased around 1890. Green was a bullion guard at the Homestake Gold Mine and later appointed as Chief of Police in 1897. In 1902, the cigar factory was sold in 1902 at which time Green took the Indian to his residence. The cigar store Indian remained in the family for more than 100 years. The family allowed a local saloon to display the figure in the 1930's. It was repaired and repainted at that time. The cigar store Indian maiden was carved by Thomas Brooks, a well known carver of shop figures from the mid to late 1800's. He opened his shop in New York City in 1848. Due to growing competition and the need for carvers in the wake of the 1871 Chicago fire, Brooks moved to Chicago and opened a new shop. He achieved great success with the expanding Western Frontier. The carved figure shows the Indian maiden in a dress with feather accents, a crown and high top moccasins. The Indian stands on a contemporary base and shows very good condition. The Cigar Store Indian measures 18.5" W x 24" D and is 67.75" tall. A few authentic Thomas Brooks Cigar Store Indian examples such as this have sold at auction including one that sold for $51,750 at Showtime Auction Service in 2011, another that sold for $48.800 at Material Culture Auction in 2013 and one that sold for $36,000 at Rich Penn Auction in 2014.

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