BEATTY COLE CLOWN ORIG 6 FT SKELETON CARVED FOAM PROP

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BEATTY COLE CLOWN ORIG 6 FT SKELETON CARVED FOAM PROP

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Sold Date: 11/12/2006
Channel: Online Auction
Source: eBay
Category: Advertising

Offered is an extremely rare, very unique, and GUARANTEED one-of-a-kind item. Nearly six-feet tall, this is a hand carved / sculpted foam rubber skeleton prop, originally used for a chase around the hippodrome track, and later used in a pirate-themed clown production number on the famous CLYDE BEATTY COLE BROS. CIRCUS in the 1980s. This is the way the prop came off the show, over twenty years ago. The skeleton is missing one leg, just below the knee (which is probably why it was re-hasheshed for use in the pirate gag). The right hand hand has been impressively stiched and configured around a plastic sword, using (believe it or not) dental floss -- a staple of circus wardrobe departments -- and, as a final touch, a bandana is wrapped around the skull of the figure. This was made by Wayne Scott, who fabricated many props, along with clown shoes for the RINGLING BROS. and BARNUM & BAILEY CLOWN COLLEGE, in addition to numerous other circus clown alleys. Brand new, these skeleton props cost $500.00 a piece. I know, because I purchased one from Wayne Scott in 1996, when I produced a skeleton chase for the Beatty Cole Circus (see attached image). Every one that was built was hand carved, so no two are quite the same. This particular piece that I am offering has a lot of colorful history behind it, making this quite an artifact for the serious circus / clown enthusiast. I part with it ONLY because I still have another original skeleton (a gift from my dear friend Barrie Sloan), in addition to the skeleton I purchased from Scott in '96. I can assure you all that I haven't another to make available ever. That such an item like this has even survived after a couple of long, hard seasons on the road with a mud show is a miracle in itself. Let it get away from you and you'll regret it! It is in GOOD CONDITION over all - used, of course, abused, perhaps a bit, but that is what makes an artifact a true museum piece, and vice-versa! Being foam rubber, it is not terribly heavy, but is a bit bulky. Shipping and handling will probably be around $15.00 - $20.00, and insurance for this one is mandatory. This came from the private collection of an old circus clown from Florida, deceased a number of years already. This deserves a good home... is it yours??? NO RESERVE -- Good Luck!