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<p>[QUOTE=&quot;say_it_slowly, post: 323759, member: 50&quot;]I think komokwa is asking why the photos in the link are the same as yours. Perhaps they are from the seller you acquired this from.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><i>&quot;A unique Cat Dummyboard</i></p><p>An exciting new discovery has happened in the Midlands. A unique cat dummyboard was found at a “junk auction” and bought for just £1. This really is a great discovery as it adds to the early history of George Smart and in particular the story around our Man of Frant describing himself on early trade labels as a <i>Cat Manufacturer</i>. The head of this cat is covered in Smart’s usual delicately ribbed fabric/velvet, a red fabric tongue (same material as the Goosewoman’s coat?), some bristling whiskers and eyebrows, and the eyes have shiny foil to catch the light and flash at their owner. And don’t forget those two sharp little teeth!</p><p><br /></p><p><img src="https://georgesmartfrant.files.wordpress.com/2018/01/gs_lp_cat1.jpg?w=636" class="bbCodeImage wysiwygImage" alt="" unselectable="on" /></p><p><br /></p><p>Truly remarkable is the condition of the label on the reverse which finally reveals the full extent of the verse and design previously glimpsed on the other two cat dummyboards mentioned above.</p><p><br /></p><p><img src="https://georgesmartfrant.files.wordpress.com/2018/01/gs_lp_cat2.jpg?w=636" class="bbCodeImage wysiwygImage" alt="" unselectable="on" /></p><p>It means the gaps and blanks can be filled in and here it is in full at last:</p><p><br /></p><p>Recommendation</p><p>Written on the back of one of</p><p>GEORGE SMART’s CURIOUS CATS.</p><p><br /></p><p>THIS Cat, the curious workmanship of <i>Smart</i>,</p><p>Exhibits Nature well portray’d by Art.</p><p>And if to <i>Frant</i>, near <i>Tunbridge Wells</i>, you send</p><p>For such a Cat, (which I would recommend,)</p><p>You’ll please the Man,– –whose Merits you behold,</p><p>And who to Royal Patrons Cats has sold.</p><p>Encourag’d by the liberal, who knows</p><p>What marks of genius he may yet disclose?</p><p>If aught in physiognomy be true,</p><p>The World in time produc’d by him shall view</p><p>Some greater work than this, though ably w[rought?]</p><p>Which to encourage Industy I bought.</p><p>To Ingenuity confess the claim</p><p>Of him whose Talents <i>Smart</i> describe his Name </p><p>And handsomely reward him for the same.</p><p><br /></p><p>KNOWLE,</p><p>August 24, 1816. S. JONES</p><p><br /></p><p>The only word now yet to be revealed is on the end of the 11th line, but given the simple rhyming scheme, the word can be guessed to be “wrought”. It reveals too the full line “And who to Royal Patrons Cats has sold.”, which suggests the Duke of Sussex purchased from Smart before the date of this label (1816) which is earlier than previously thought.</p><p><br /></p><p>What a Curious Cat indeed… It is utterly beguiling and charming.&quot;[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

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