Preliminary identification
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Overview
This humorous painted resin or ceramic figurine depicts a clown strung upside down by his feet alongside a giant blue marlin, parodying the classic deep-sea fishing trophy photo. The clown holds a personalized catch board detailing a 150 lb Marlin caught on July 5, 1988 aboard the 'Kiwi II'.
Story
Deep-sea charter fishing trips in the 1980s often featured dockside weigh-in stations where anglers posed with their catches. This sculpture humorously subverts that tradition by hanging the angler upside down instead of the fish. It commemorates a specific personal memory from July 1988.
Maker / Origin
Many novelty figurines of this era were produced by giftware companies like Ron Lee, Parma, or imported nautical giftmakers who specialized in comedic resin figures. These pieces were popular gifts for boating enthusiasts and harbor gift shops during the 1980s deep-sea fishing boom.
Condition & Value
Appears to be in good vintage condition with intact delicate wire elements and original paint. Minor surface dust; intact paint keeps the value at the upper end of its typical range. Values for novelty nautical resin figurines depend heavily on collector interest in specific themes or signed makers.
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Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.