LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2008 April Music & Entertainment #688  / 

31498

Rare Monroe 1952 & 1956 Nude Calendar Prototypes

Currency:USD Category:Memorabilia Start Price:390.00 USD Estimated At:640.00 - 960.00 USD
Rare Monroe 1952 & 1956 Nude Calendar Prototypes
<B>Rare Marilyn Monroe 1952 and 1956 Nude Calendar Prototypes and Sales Kits.</B></I> Paid $50 for a series of nude photographs in 1949, Marilyn Monroe never could have guessed the images would ignite a media frenzy and precipitate her rise to fame a few short years later. Included is an original 1952 calendar with the pin-up that started it all. Produced by Champion Line Calendars, multi-size calendar sales mock-ups were sent to prospective businesses along with order forms and catalogs. This original 1952 sample kit features Monroe's most famous nude image, titled "Golden Dreams," among others. Monroe's name was not printed on this early calendar image; not until their 1956 calendars would Champion Line capitalize on Monroe's celebrity and re-issue the "Golden Dreams" pin-up with her name listed in bold text (along with unused images from the 1949 photo shoot). The sales kit includes the 1952 calendar (Monroe's page measures 9.75" x 19.5"), as well as a smaller 9" x 16" 1952 version with Monroe's nude image featured as the first of four provocative pin-ups. A 1956 calendar sales kit is also included, featuring three previously unused images of a scantily clad Monroe, additional images of "Golden Dreams" with black lace overprint, and two Champion Line product catalogs. Monroe's "Golden Dreams" image reached legendary proportions when Hugh Hefner made it the centerfold for the very first issue of <I>Playboy</B></I> in 1953. Honest about her sexuality, Monroe turned the scandal into a celebrity boon, wryly admitting to having on "nothing but the radio" when asked about the photos by <I>Time</B></I> magazine. Displays moderate toning and signs of handling, otherwise in Very Fine condition.<BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Flat Material, Large (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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