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Howdy Doody

Holiday Gifts for the Collector

Now that Cyber Thanksgiving Thursday (a newly coined phrase by the media), Black Friday, and Cyber Monday with the frenzy of several days of nonstop online holiday bargains are behind us, we have four weeks remaining in the holiday season to survey the fantastic design objects and artworks sold on VandM.com with price tags at all levels. The following picks, a first round, were selected for their intrinsic value as fine art objects with a certain individuality to catch the eye of a discriminating collector.

 

1. Andy Warhol Howdy Doody (Myths), 1980 Screenprint with diamond dust on Lenox Museum Board 38"Hx38"W (96.5cm H x 96.5cm W) Reference FS-11.363 Edition of 200, 30AP, 5EP, 3HC, signed and Numbered in pencil on the back Printer: Rupert Jasen Smith, New York Publisher, Ronald Feldman Fine Art, New York $48,000

Few will remember 1950s TV legends Buffalo Bob, Howdy Doody, and Clarabell, but Howdy Doody is one of the most sought after iconic images. Fans of that era's TV memorabilia will swoon over this original screenprint by pop art icon Andy Warhol, not to mention that Pop Art with Warhol's artworks heading the list (his "Large Coca Cola" painting sold for an eye-popping $35.3 million at Sotheby's several weeks ago) has had record sales at auction houses this past fall. One of ten iconic screenprints in Warhol's "Myths" portfolio (Mickey Mouse and Superman are among them), the Howdy Doody image is not appropriated from mass media, but is based on a photograph of the original Howdy Doody taken by Warhol. It is stamped in black on verso and bears the printer's chop mark. From VandM.com dealer Samuel Owen Gallery.

 

2. Helmut Newton SUMO Book on Philippe Starck Stand, 1999 (Taschen) 27.5"Hx8"D (79.9cm H x 20.3cm D) $12,500

One of the most expensive books published at 464 pages with 349 photographs weighing in at a stunning 66 lbs. (30kg), "Helmut Newton" SUMO Book (Taschen) will thrill photography and fashion lovers alike. SUMO is Japanese for large, which, in this case, is titanic. Signed and numbered 9788 (out of 10,000) and placed on the original Philippe Starck metal folding stand makes this package one of the more unique gift ideas. Protective plastic jackets have preserved the book leaving it in mint condition. From VandM.com dealer Vintage Views.

3. Rare English Victorian Butcher's Shop Display Model, Late 19th Century 18"H x 23"W x 9.25"D (45.7cm H x 58.4cm W x 23.5cm D) $11,500

Carved wood and finely detailed, this wood carved box is ideal for an Anglophile or those with an appreciation of English eccentricity or antiques. From VandM.com dealer Center 44.

 

4. 16 Piece Wood Carved Folk Art Set, ca. late 20th Century $4,250

These charming Austrian hand-carved wooden figures of a herdsman and farm animals can be individually placed or grouped together. Definite appeal to collectors of period piece figurines. From VandM.com dealers Alpen Antiks.

5. Woven Wooden Vine/Branch Basket, mid-20th Century 21"H x 19"W x 18"D (53.3cm H x 48.3cm W x 45.7cm D) $475

A rustic basket woven in traditional vine weaving techniques, i.e. old vines that have been soaked and wrapped around a form to give a twisted, curvy shape. From VandM.com dealer Weisshouse.

6. Vintage # 9s, ca. 1940's 18"H x 12"W x 1"D (45.7cm H x30.5cm W x 2.5cm D) $595

"9" is sacred, embodying the manifestation of the divine trinity: the world of the spirit; the world of the soul; and the world of matter. It is the number of achievement, completeness, and finality, offering all sorts of inherent masterful "gifts." Included in the collection is carved wood, brass, tin, marquee letter plastic, and hand painted 9s. Perfect next to vintage furniture. From VandM.com dealer East Market Street Antiques.

 

7. 19th Century French Music Box 11"H x 7"D (27.9cm H x 17.8cm D) $700

An early 1800's French birdcage music box in perfect working order. The interior platform is velvet; the cage is molded painted metal with a brushed brass frieze. Real feathers on the bird add an authentic touch. From VandM.com dealer Baxter & Co.

 

8. Tourmaline & Diamond Butterfly Pin, 1980s 2"H x 1.5"W (5.1cm H x 3.8cm W) $3,900

Beautifully delicate carved tourmaline butterfly brooch contains .40 carets of diamonds on an 18K gold frame with color shadings of deep pink color graduating to a rich dark green. From VandM.com dealer Maclund Gallery.

9. Set of Mexican Silver Eagle Butter Knives, 1950s 5.25"H x .75"W (13.3cm H x 1.9cm W) $950

Formal and informal, these vintage butter knives are a must have for dinner occasions and for young people's informal gatherings can be used as spreaders for hors d'oeuvres. The set of 11 Mexican sterling silver knives are in the style of well-known Mexican jewelry craftsman Hector Aguilar (1905-1966). All pieces are signed A.G. and marked "925," "Hecho en Mexico" and Eagle assay mark number 1 (contact dealer for specific information). May also be purchased individually @ $100.00 ea. From VandM.com dealer Hacienda.

 

10. Art Deco Desk Racing Classic Car Clock 3.9" x 11.8"W (10.0cm H x 30.0cm W) $900

Silver plated, wind-up clock suited for a desk. Great novelty item and conversation piece. From VandM.com dealer La Tropical de Luxe Antiques.

About the Author

1. Andy Warhol Howdy Doody - http://vandm.com/SamuelOwenGallery.  Call (203) 325-1924 or (917) 494-3895.

2. Helmut Newton SUMO Book on Philippe Starck Stand - http://vandm.com/VintageViews, (201) 232-4280

3. Rare English Victorian Butcher's Shop Display Model - http://vandm.com/Center44, (212) 450-7988

4. 16 Piece Wood Carved Folk Art Set - http://vandm.com/Alpen_Antiks, (970) 544-5384

5. Woven Wooden Vine/Branch Basket - http://vandm.com/weisshouse; (412) 441-8888, (800) 422-7848

6. Vintage # 9s - http://vandm.com/EastMarket, (845) 758-9000

7. 19th Century French Music Box - http://vandm.com/baxterhome, (914) 232-1200

8. Tourmaline & Diamond Butterfly Pin - http://vandm.com/Maclund. (847) 441-7890

9. Set of Mexican Silver Eagle Butter Knives - http://vandm.com/Hacienda, (805) 613-8003

10. Art Deco Desk Racing Classic Car Clock - http://vandm.com/LaTropical_deLuxe at  0054911-49154247, or for local calls, 15-4915-4247

 

Talis joined VandM.com ( http://vandm.com ) in March of 2009 and is responsible for overseeing the company's marketing, advertising and business development strategies. Before joining VandM.com, Talis led the account management department at The Creative Directors, Inc., a boutique advertising agency held by VandM's parent company, EUE/Screen Gems ( http://www.euescreengems.com/ ). As Vice President, he managed new business as well as the company's retail, financial and pharmaceutical accounts, including Office Depot, Silvercrest Asset Management, Wyeth and Schering-Plough. Prior to The Creative Directors, Talis was at the advertising agencies McCann Erickson New York and Campbell Mithun in Minneapolis, working on accounts such as Weight Watchers, Breyers, Klondike and several other Unilever brands.

Is Alan Keyes a Republican puppet like Howdy Doody or Lambchop?

Nope

[ARCHIVES] ANDY KAUFMAN INTERVIEWING HOWDY DOODY