King Kong

Circa 1933 folk art carved figure of King Kong. In a pose reminiscent of Kong's fight with the airplanes in the movie's climax, this figure was possibly used as a movie theater trade stimulator. Beautifully worked surface on this extremely rare figure. Repairs to arm, finger and foot.

Available at Anonymous Works.

"From the Private Camp of H.R.H. Kong - Skull Island"

I almost titled this blog post "The Greatest Manila Envelope Ever on eBay". This is a rare 1933 King Kong movie poster envelope that was used to send the poster to theater owners.

Here's the seller's description:

Do you know the old joke about the man who yelled out in a bank “Has anyone had lost a roll of hundred dollar bills with an elastic around it?” When everyone said yes, he said, “Well I found the elastic band.” This auction is sort of like that joke. In 1999 a world record was achieved at Sotheby’s for a 1933 King Kong Movie Poster when a perfect copy sold for $244,500.oo. Wow, almost a quarter of a million dollars for a poster. Well, I don’t have one of these posters, but I do have something that is most likely even rarer. This auction is for an authentic 7 ½” by 10 ½” envelope that one of these posters would have come in. Printed with a wood grain it was sent to Mr. B. Findlay at the Strand Theatre, Mystic Connecticut. In the upper right hand corner is the return address, “From The Private Camp of H.R.H. Kong, Skull Island.” (HRH stands for His Royal Highness.) In the upper right hand corner is a “Kingdom of Skull Island” Stamp for 6 Simoleons and a post office cancelation stamp dated Nov. 23, 5:30 PM, 1932. There is some light crinkling to the edges, but overall this rare King Kong Envelope is in great condition. I know what the poster is worth, but I could not find another example like this envelope anywhere on the net. It has got to be extremely rare.

Available here.

Original 1933 King Kong Production Art

My favorite new TV show is called Hollywood Treasure on the SyFy channel. It features the staff at auction house Profile in History and follows them as they try to procure consignments for their auctions.

My jaw just about dropped when I saw this original production art archive from the 1933 RKO version of King Kong (including an original model bi-plane!). I think it made something like $185,000.

Mighty Joe Young on a Movie Promo Truck

Available here.

1940's Folk Art Carving of King Kong

Possibly a theater display? 21" tall.

Sold for $208.50 on eBay.