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Lot # 1118: Emmett Kelly's Circus Makeup Collection

Starting Bid: $200.00

Bids: 1 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed
Lot / Auction Closed




This lot is closed. Bidding is not allowed.

Item was in Auction "Leland's Classic",
which ran from 2/14/2018 10:00 AM to
3/23/2018 10:00 PM



For many years during the mid-20th century, these treasures were used to bring to life Emmett Kelly's iconic character, "Weary Willie," and for countless other characters that endeared Kelly to his audience and thrust clowning into the national spotlight. Kelly began his performing career as a trapeze artist, but struck gold with "Weary Willie," who was devised by Kelly as a Depression-era hobo and immediately resonated with a down-on-its-luck nation. This collection features Emmett's mirror, nose putty, makeup chalk and lecture squares that he personally applied before performances. The mirror was designed to hang around Kelly's neck, thus allowing his hands to be free to apply makeup. Kelly used it throughout his career, which spanned more than four decades. The mirror is double-sided with dents around its rim, and is stamped "Japan" on the outside. It comes directly from the family of Emmett Kelly. The chalks show nice use and come in original boxes. There are three pieces of chalk and 12 lecture squares.

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