Schoenhut called this figure the "Negro Dude". He appears to have been modeled after the minstrels popular at the time of the Humpty Dumpty circus. Minstrels were mainly a stage act but sometimes a circus act.

Photo by Jim Sneed from the collection of Judith Lile

Two-part Head

The two-part head dude was dressed with a black coat, black or light brown shoes, black hat, checkered pants tied to the shoes, a white vest, a white shirt with red dots or other small designs, and a red and green bowtie. The pants are cut so that the pattern runs diagonally. He has a collar made of stiffened shirt material. This example still retains his lapel flower.

Photo by Jim Sneed from the collection of Andy Yaffee

Photo by Jim Sneed from the collection of Judith Lile

Photo by Judith Lile

One-part Head

The one-part head was dressed in a yellow vest, purple coat, and white hat. He has the same pants which are untied and cut so that the pattern is horizontal. Notice the different design of the leg ankle.

Photo by Judith Lile

Photo by Judith Lile

One-part Head

There can be a lot of differences in the face expressions of these pieces.

Photo by Jim Sneed

One-part Head

The machining groves are evident on the head of this example. This head shows the same design as that of the one-part head clowns. Notice the forehead pattern.

African Native - Faced Dude

After Schoenhut stopped producing its Teddy Roosevelt sets, they found that they had a number of African native heads remaining in their inventory, so they added leather ears and made Dudes. Some collectors consider them as another version of the African Chief for Teddy Roosevelt sets but it is more likely that Schoenhut's intention was to substitute for Dudes. Evidence of this are the addition of leather ears that protrude from the head like other circus actors and the version's relative abundance compared to other Teddy Roosevelt figures. The Dude's vest is usually yellow but orange ones are sometimes found.

Photo by Jim Sneed

A poster advertising a circus minstrel show.

Photo by Jim Sneed from the collection of Gene Metcalf

Two - part head with purple coat

Photo by Judith Lile

Reduced size

The reduced size negro dude was dressed much like the regular size. His hat, however, was made of wood.

Photo by Judith Lile