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Important Pair of Tom Mix's Personal California Batwing Chaps

Currency:USD Category:Antiques Start Price:6,000.00 USD Estimated At:12,000.00 - 16,000.00 USD
Important Pair of Tom Mix's Personal California Batwing Chaps
Distinctive, floral carved, batwing chaps especially made for Tom Mix with his initials TM carved on the exterior left pocket. Probably made for Mix early in his career before he began using his more recognizable TM brand on clothing and accessories. 35" long with 24 slotted nickel conchos, floral tooled and carved billet, pockets and side trim. High Noon Auction Notation: Mix characteristically wore his chaps high and tight, binding them securely through a very identifiable laced hole on the outer batwing. This laced hole is very evident in the photo. Mix also adorned his chaps with extra slotted conchos which extended higher than those visible on most other pair -- probably an enhanced Hollywood Cowboy look that Mix perfected early in his Hollywood career. PROVENANCE: Given by Mix to Robert Cobb, co-founder of the legendary Brown Derby in Hollywood. The famous derby-shaped hat restaurant became an iconic image, becoming virtually synonymous with the Golden Age of Hollywood. The original opened in 1926 with its whimsical architecture that was popular in that era. Apart from the gimmick of the name and good food, they had two things going for them. One was the Cobb Salad, which was invented at the Brown Derby. As the delicacy caught on in other eateries, there was much publicity as to where it had begun, and many people wanted to go and try the original. Many people also wanted to dine where the stars ate, and that was an even better reason to dine at the Derby. Like many restaurants where the big attraction is celebrity clientele, the proprietors advertised their famous patrons by covering the walls with their caricatures. The Derby walls were covered with photos of the stars that patronized the establishment and Mix as a regular along with most A listers (and actor wannabes) of the day.