NOT SOLD (BIDDING OVER)
0.00USD+ applicable fees & taxes.
This item WAS NOT SOLD. Auction date was 2003 Nov 11 @ 12:00UTC-5 : EST/CDT
<b>1309. CHARLIE CHAPLIN'S 1920'S TUXEDO "TRAMP" COAT </b>CHARLES CHAPLIN (1889 - 1977) American silent comedy film star who achieved worldwide fame with his portrayal of "The Tramp". Chaplin was undoubtedly the greatest of the silent film stars, and his mustachioed, waddling, down-and-out tramp is a film comedy standard by which all others are measured. Chaplin started his career with Mack Sennett in the Keystone series of films, and went on to make over eight shorts and feature length films. We are most proud to offer one of the best Chaplin relics to ever come to market, one of Chaplin's early black tuxedo "tramp" coats, given by Chaplin to his close friend and fellow silent film star Gloria Swanson in 1931! Chaplin's black wool 1920's tuxedo coat is approximately size 38, fully lined, with two chest pockets and a watch pocket within, and with three matching button closures. This coat could only have been worn by Chaplin while in character: it shows obvious signs of wear at the collar and in the armpit area which also has stains consistent with physical exertion. The dapper actor would never have considered giving a stained coat to a close friend, unless of course it had been screen-worn. One front button is detached but present, three of four sleeve buttons are missing, as are the two buttons found on the lower back. The coat bears a few light stains on the sleeves (pies?!) and a single tiny moth hole, yet is nevertheless in excellent condition. This superb and historic item has unimpeachable provenance: it was obtained by our consignor directly from talk-show icon Joe Franklin, and his notarized letter of provenance accompanies the jacket. It reads, in part: <i>"ÉCharlie Chaplin's 1920s-era black tuxedo coat was originally given by Chaplin personally to his close friend, actress Gloria Swanson, at the Chaplin StudiosÉin 1931. Gloria Swanson was among Chaplin's first co-stars in film, performing with Chaplin in his 1915 `Charlie's New Job"ÉThe two remained life-long friends and confidantsÉChaplin, as related by Gloria Swanson [to me], presented this tuxedo coat to her in and around the time that Chaplin was making his famous film, `City Lights'ÉThe coat remained in Swanson's personal collection of mementos until the 1970sÉSwanson and I had become close friends in the 1970s when we met during Swanson's appearance on Broadway in the production of `Butterflies Are Free'. Knowing my admiration of Chaplin, Swanson agreed to make Chaplin's `Tramp' tuxedo coat a part of the Joe Franklin ArchivesÉI also, it is a great pleasure to note, had the opportunity to know Chaplin. The actor was on my radio showÉI hereby certify by my signature that the aforementioned item is the original, the very same coat of Chaplin's given to me by Gloria Swanson, and is 100% authenticÉ</i>". From Franklin, the item passed directly to our consignor, a personal acquaintance of Franklin, who in turn consigned this fine relic. There is an exciting extra item included in the lot, namely what very well could be Chaplin's on-screen black bow tie! We discovered the bow tie while examining the coat, and contacted Joe Franklin. Franklin stated that he was aware of the bow tie's existence, but could not confirm that it WAS Chaplin's as Gloria Swanson at times donned this jacket. However, our examination of the manufacturer's label on the tie leads us to believe it too was made in the 1920's, and in all likelihood also belonged to Chaplin. These fine film relics are easily on a par with any film prop ever offered! <b>$6,000-8,000</b>
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<p>1.) This Auction is conducted under the laws of the State of Connecticut.
<p>2.) This auction will be held in two parts. Part I (Lots 1-422) will begin at 1:00 PM Eastern Time on Sunday, November 9, 2003. Part II (Lots 500-1457) will begin at Noon Eastern Time on Tuesday, November 11, 2003. However, you may bid at any time prior to the sale dates.
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<p>15.) All material in this sale is guaranteed genuine (unless otherwise stated) to the original buyer. Any item sold which is determined to be not authentic by two independent authenticators acceptable to both parties to the sale may be returned by the original buyer at any time for an immediate refund of the purchase price (only).
<p>16.) Items may also be returned if the catalog description differs significantly from the item¹s actual condition; such returns must be made within three (3) days of purchaser's receipt of the lot(s). All returned lots must be in the same condition as shipped. All items are in very good condition unless stated otherwise. Items housed in frames have not been examined outside of the frame. Lots which bear defects or damage not visible because of framing will not be subject to return.
<p>17.) The placing of a bid shall constitute acceptance of the preceding terms and conditions of sale as well as well as the Bidding Procedure guidelines posted in this catalog. AUCTION RESULTS WILL BE AVAILABLE NOVEMBER 13, 2003.