October 01, 2023 09:00 AM PDT Annex
Ends October 15, 2023
Ends October 15, 2023
81
Babes In Toy Land Stop Motion Animation Soldier
A stop-motion animation toy soldier puppet from Babes In Toyland / March of the Wooden Soldiers (Hal Roach Studios, 1934). The soldier is constructed of carved wood and machined metal parts. The figure has fully articulating arms and legs with hinged “ankles” and a split base allowing the figure to “walk.”
The film stars comedy duo Laurel & Hardy, as Ollie Dee and Stannie Dum work who for the toy maker in Toyland.
The stop-motion animation sequence was created by special effects animator Roy Seawright and cinematographer Art Lloyd using 100 one-foot high soldiers. The film was originally released in November of 1934.
This puppet is an extraordinarily early and rare example of this technology in exceptional condition. Prior to the discovery of this solder, there was only one other known to survive in a damaged state, owned by Laurel & Hardy historian Randy Skretvedt, who has occasionally loaned the soldier to museum exhibitions. The consignor’s grandfather was a high-ranking executive of Hal Roach Studios at the time the film was made and saved ten soldiers. The consigner brought five of these family owned soldiers to Antiques Roadshow where they were filmed for an episode in 2020.
Dimensions: 13.25"h (excluding bayonet)
Provenance: Lewis A French, in charge of Laurel Hardy productions, by Family Descendent
Condition:
Some wear, missing bayonet. Please see photos.
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Estimate:
$5,000 -
$10,000
Price Realized Including Buyer's Premium
$10,063
10/01/2023
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Consign With UsWitherell strives to provide as much information and photographs as possible but encourages in-person inspection by bidders. Condition statements are only for general guidance and should not be relied upon as complete statements of fact and do not constitute a representation, warranty or assumption of liability by Witherell. All lots are sold "AS IS" under the Terms and Conditions. Methods of payment are cash, check, money orders, or wire transfer for foreign payments. Please note we do not accept credit cards. This auction has a buyer's premium of 15%.
