19 Dialogues!

By Paul Stadelman - two books in one.  Ventriloquist instruction plus 19 comedy dialogues.  48 Pages. Original book (very good condition) year of publication unknown. Legendary book by a legendary showman/performer/instructor!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/261023044367

Published 1920!

VENTRILOQUIST LESSONS (TEN) by La Vellma (David L. Lustig), PLUS COMEDY DIALOGUES (two, long..) by Robert W. Doidge. This is an original 98 year old copy, good condition,  32 pages http://www.ebay.com/itm/261023047239

Movie Life or Charlie McCarthy

Charlie, in a play suit, shared first picture with a
figure named Laura.  Note Bergen's magic props.

Yes, if you guessed the ventriloquist pictured as a tot in yesterday's post was Edgar Bergen you were correct.  The pictures come from a 48 photo collection printed in a 1940's magazine, chronicling the "life" of Charlie McCarthy.  It is fascinating to read and see - five large full page spreads.  I have one original set of the pages themselves (not copies), taken directly from the magazine, for sale on eBay.  You see the first page below.  I have photos showing all 5 pages on the eBay listing:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290713311481

Hall of Fame Coins - Do you have yours?

http://hofcoins.blogspot.com

From Winkle and Wags: "There have been so many comments on these coins that I thought 'Why add to it?'. Then, I decided, 'Well ... one more couldn't hurt' even thought I'm sure there'll be more than 'one more'. Everything you've read is the absolute truth. These handsome coins are quality merchandise that display excellent craftsmanship. The detail is truly fine; the hinges on Pedro's box, Mortimer's buck-teeth, Farfel's teeth. It's quite hard to see how this set could be improved on. I guess I like the Jimmy Nelson one best, because it honors a wonderfully gifted performer that is still with us. He can appreciate this tribute himself; not having family members do it after his passing. I'm glad that this fine gentleman (accent on 'gentle') can see this coin himself. I know that many folks look forward to the month of June for 'summer', but now I can think of some that look forward to it for 'coins'."

Who's this?

Can you identify this youngster (age 15 months on the left and five years on the right)
who went on to have an adult career as a ventriloquist?
(Answer tomorrow.)

Antique mall vent finds

Question:  There is an antique mall near my work which I'll often troll on my lunch hour. I'm always hoping I'll discover some cool vent stuff, but never do, until yesterday I found both a vintage Danny O'Day and Charlie McCarthy. Danny is in great shape except for the mouth needing a new rubber band (and no shoes.) They priced him at $135. Is that a bit high?  Charlie is worse off with a completely detached arm and jaw and, of course, missing hat and monocle--the first to go (...and those brown shoes are doing terrible things to that tuxedo.) He's marked $75. I know with enough looking I could probably find a deal on mint versions online, but there's something intriguing about having them cross my path in person. Just wondering if these prices are too much for the state they are in. ~Ted
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From Mr D:  At this point in time, these two dolls really have very little extra value due to their age, if any at all.  So if all you want is a basic ventriloquist doll, you need to compare their prices to the prices of a new doll of the same character.  If they are stuffed body (and I assume they are) you can get a new basic style Danny or Charlie for $55  (ThrowThings.com) .  I certainly would not recommend you pay more than that for either of these you found in the antique store. 
I would not pay over $35 myself, since I only buy such dolls to convert and upgrade them, and $35 is about the current price of Goldberger dolls wholesale in quantity - and it's easier to start with a new doll than a used one...However, the price you see is not far off from what I've seen on similar dolls in antique shops in the Denver area.  The dealer may find a buyer willing to pay that or slightly less.  Personally, I just smile, shake my head, and walk on by...

Happy Mothers Day (and Birthday)!

Our son Kevin's birthday is May 13, which means every half dozen years or so, depending on the effect of leap years, Kevin's birthday falls on Mothers Day.  This is one of those special years.  So Happy Birthday, Kevin, and Happy Mothers Day, Mom!  And for all the Mom's reading this, may this be your special day, too!

From Steve Axtell

"Beautiful, Beautiful... I say it twice because I got 2 sets! They are Beautiful, Beautiful! A classic work, excellent job, Clinton! Ax"

One set: $30.00; 2 or more sets: $25.00 per set
http://hofcoins.blogspot.com
or simply email: mahertalk@aol.com

Which one?

A couple weeks ago I posted a photo of J. D. Haile's Foy Brown figure I had worked on (2nd from left in the above photo).  Shortly thereafter, Jim sent me this photo of his collection of figures with a challenge to me ... he asked me if I could identify the one figure I had NOT done some work on.  To tell the truth, I'm not 100% certain - I think it's the male figure on the far right but I'm going to have to ask. 

Coin Comment

From Lisa Laird:  I found the perfect memory/shadow box and coin cases to display my coin collection in. I am eagerly awaiting the next set!! Thanks for such a wonderful keepsake. (I will be anticipating the Shari Lewis coin in particular!!)
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From Mr. D:  You have a clever idea for displaying the Hall of Fame coins - thank you for sharing! (Maybe you can send me a picture at some point so I can share it here?)

(Sneak peek:  Shari Lewis is scheduled for the set to be released this Fall. Dave Miller has the artwork completed. I just need to sell enough of the first two sets to pay for the third set which will include Shari's coin.)

For Sale (eBay)

A DAY WITH CHARLIE McCARTHY and EDGAR BERGEN 1938
VENTRILOQUIST "HOW-TO" plus MANY vintage and rare photos of this famous ventriloquist duo. With fun to read story about Charlie's "life" as entertainer and actor. Also scenes from "The Goldwyn Follies". 36 pages. This is the original 9" by 13" book, copyright 1938.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290711030244




SCOPE Vol 6 Issue 3, 1997 VENTRILOQUIST VALENTINE VOX cover image (below) with full two page spread inside titled "Vox Mysterium - Preserving Ventriloquism", quite fascinating (and sometimes controversial) article. This 28 news magazine (10" x 13") is complete and in very good condition.   More photos and further description here:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=261022253088

"Hear no evil"

This carved wooden figure (Lovik) can "hear no evil" due to an "evil" accident he experienced years ago that cost him his entire left ear and half his right ear!  No - he did not have a run-in with Tyson.  In truth, he was sat upon by the owners brother!  And in the years since the original ear and pieces have been lost, so I'll see what I can do about a total ear replacement procedure.

Ready Now! Vent Your Expressions! One time offer.

I now have in hand, 25 copies of HOW TO VENT YOUR EXPRESSIONS by Cliff Taylor.  76 pgs.  Bring your vent puppet or stage puppet to life.  Use this reference book to learn to manipulate your puppet or figure in the most life like manner.  Simply look up the desired attitude (Anger, Ashamed, Fear, Tease, Sleep, Courage, etc. - hundreds are listed) and follow the directions!

The first major work designed to help ventriloquists enhance the ventriloquial illusion. Manipulate the figure (even the most basic figure) so as to portray any and every emotion and attitude with correct head and body language.  Both vocal speech and body movements are described in detail.  Topics, attitudes, and mannerisms are listed alphabetically and cross-referenced.  It's truly an amazing work! Written by Cliff Taylor, professional ventriloquist and instructor.  Published 1989 by Maher Studios.

$11.00 each ($10 for book and $1 S/H).  If you are one of those who asked me to reserve a copy for you, please email me (mahertalk@aol.com) and tell me if you want to pay by Paypal, check or money order.  (After reserve orders are filled I will accept additional orders while the supply lasts.)

For sale:

4 Magazine lot withVENTRILOQUIST features: JEFF DUNHAM, PAUL WINCHELL, SHARI LEWIS (BUFFALO BOB SMITH) - complete magazines, mint condition.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=261021476593

Also included with the lot as an extra bonus is a 5x7 color/signed photo of ventriloquist Stanley Allynn with his wooden figure (dummy), Bill.

Nightmare for Figuremaker!

Speaking from experience, I can assure you, Ventriloquist Figures packed poorly when returned for repair are a caring figuremaker's nightmare.  When this box arrived with the end of the figure's headpost extending from the box I cringed knowing possible damage from transit could multiply initial woes!  Fortunately, that was not the case, but here's a reminder that it's as important to cushion and protect the end of the headpost as the head itself when shipping the figure!

Jerry ready for space?

To learn why Jerry Mahoney is dressed as an astronaut, click the link below.  (Thanks to Alan Semok for this info.) 

http://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/11453964_russell-colleys-original-mercury-spacesuit-disp

Question of Identity

Question:  Today I visited a puppeteer who owned  this old character ( late 19th century, she told me).
In fact it is a boy (with a girls wig) made of papiermaché.  Eye's can move and separately close.  I can't find a name on the stick or head.   Do you have any idea of the origin?  Thanks!  Bastiaan Verhorst
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From Mr. D:  No, I cannot positively identify the maker of the figure in the pictures you sent.  But I will post it on my blog.  Maybe one of my readers can provide the information you seek.

For Sale now on eBay:

21 DIALOGUE VENTRILOQUIST NEWSLETTERS 1994-1999 VENT WORLD ASSOC. PUBLICATION (Updated Two-color Cover Design)

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=261019327435

18 DIALOGUE VENTRILOQUIST NEWSLETTERS 1989-1994 VENT WORLD ASSOC. PUBLICATION (Updated Cover Design)
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290709179775

  
11 DIALOGUE VENTRILOQUIST NEWSLETTERS 1986-1989
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290709176639