I’m looking to put together a post sometime in the near future about how collectors are storing and/or displaying their collections. If you’d care to share, please feel free to reply with any info.
Circa 1936-37 Large 4.5 X 6.25 Nestle's Card featuring Laurel and Hardy
Bob Duncan is a Laurel & Hardy collector who was recently interviewed and featured in Antique Trader Magazine as part of Alan M. Petrillo’s article Stan and Ollie: Laurel and Hardy make popular collectibles. Bob is an active member of two local chapters of the International Laurel & Hardy Society, more commonly called Sons of the Desert. He uses parts of his collection to illustrate talks he gives at the local meet-ups.
As to what type of Laurel & Hardy items Bob collects, well, it runs the gamut from trading cards, figurines which range in size from a few inches to four feet tall, publicity stills, scripts, postcards, posters, decorative plates, to letters handwritten by Stan Laurel. Of these letters Bob told Petrillo and Antique Trader ““Stan Laurel was a very prolific letter writer in his later years and these letters continue to be highly collectible.”
So when I asked Bob the question at the top of this post, I was really curious. Just how would one display such a wide variety of items?
The item are “on display throughout my condo. The walls of the condo are literally full of framed stills, posters, lithographs, etc.” Bob said he kept smaller collectibles such as old cigarette cards and postcards inside 3 ring binders.
But Bob did us one better–he supplied some fantastic photos of those jam-packed walls and was kind enough to allow me to share them with you. Note the captions, written by Bob, for details. Enjoy the tour:
This first photo shows various framed publicity stills with signatures – the lady on the left is Mabel Normand, in the middle is Billy Gilbert, on the right (and almost out of the picture) is Marguerite Roach – Hal Roach’s 1st wife – partially obscured in the lower left is Martha Sleeper.
This next one shows framed publicity stills and signatures of Claudette Colbert (left) and Darla Hood (right). Darla’s still is framed with a 45 from her recording career in the early 60s.
Here are some various Laurel & Hardy figurines – the large pair in the back next to the phony tree originally belonged to Jan Berry – he was the “Jan” of the “Jan & Dean” pop signing group of the early 60s and was quite the Laurel & Hardy fan.
Various smaller figurines in the living room.
Various items on a living room wall – the bottom row includes framed photos, with signatures, of Laurel & Hardy, Thelma Todd, Buster Keaton, Charley Chase and, finally, a Stan Laurel check.
Thanks so much to Bob Duncan for sharing his Laurel & Hardy collection with us.
If you’re interested in more Laurel & Hardy by all means check out Sons of the Desert to see if there’s a chapter near you.
Also, I’ve had a Laurel & Hardy page written by one of our freelancers up on things-and-other-stuff.com up for some time now if you’re looking for a basic biography.
Hi Chris,
Thanks for your comment. I forwarded it along to Bob and he actually got back to me right away, so assuming this info is okay to post, Bob said:
Pretty sure the “Sadderup” one was the one you were referring to Chris, if not let me know. Bob seems to have attributed just about all of them here for us though.
Thanks again, Cliff
I have a 48″x36″ wood carving purchased in chicago many years ago. Probably weighs 40 pounds. Very cool. Would like to see to avid collector. $8500. I can send photos to serious collectors.
I want to sell my Laurel and Hardy life size statues Elie1972@icloud.com
No problem, Chris, and thanks again to Bob for being so quick w/an answer!
Yes, the photos Bob sent along really blew me away, the only shame of it was I had to shrink them down to fit here–the full-sized ones I originally worked with were exponentially more impressive!
Thanks again, Cliff
To Bob Duncan: This looks a mighty fine collection… so many items I recognise…. so many items I would love to have! Just a quick question, I used to do pencil drawings of L&H years ago and sold many on Ebay. The pencil style picture in the centre of the 5th photo of your collection, would you mind letting me know the artist if any (I used to sign mine CW or Chris Walkey), for it look similar to one of mine! Congrats on a great collection!
Immediate reply or what!! Thanks for that Cliff and ofcourse to Bob.
It does answer my question indeed…. I was just curious to know if it was one of mine! (I would have been proud if it was, to be in that collection!).
Again, thanks Cliff….
Chris.
I used to collect L&H memorabilia a few years ago, I have slowed down a lot of recent years due to family commitments. I still have a lot of items, though they are sadly packed away in boxes in the garage! I used to have contact with many other great collectors the ‘Big Boss’ of them all was a guy called Gino Dercola (You may know of him + His collection!)… Collecting allowed me the chance to meet and communicate with many fascinating people from round the world.
I hopefully plan to start collecting again soon….!
Chris.
Hi Chris,
Hopefully Bob’s collection gave you a little extra inspiration to get the collection going again … or at the very least to unbox it and get it out on display. Shoot, he has me thinking about buying frames for some of the pieces I have kicking around here!
Thanks again, Cliff
Very nice collection of my favorite boys… I have a question for you. About a year or so ago, I saw an ad on line for a bronze casting (cold bronze) of Laurel and Hardy, done, I believe, by a southern California artist. Stan sitting, Oliver bent over next to him. They were large, cast separately. Do you know where I might find them again? Thanks.
.
Just today I found the article interesting thing about your collection. I have a collection that includes more than 120 different characters of the laurel & hardy. I would appreciate if you update me on the places where other characters can be achieved. I live in Israel. thank you.
I have Laurel and Hardy Lamps, but i cant seem to find if they are a one of a kind or if someone made them out of their basement(haha) They do not look like any I have seen on the internet/ ebay/ or on your site. They definitely look vintage. Help? Thanks
I have limited edition artwork by J Capelli(?) of 1 picture of Stan Larel & 1 of Oliver Hardy on what appears to be corkboard(?) in excellent condition. Any idea of interest or value??
I have a Laurel & Hardy wall plaque made in 1972, its seems to be made of a Styrofoam type of material. I am looking to sell, if yourself or anyone maybe interested.
Thanks for your time.
Bonnie Hill
They were so funny its nice to know people remember them.
hi,
I have 50 – 60 old movies for sale. Lots of Laurel and Hardy, also, Our Gang, Charlie Chaplin and others. Are there buyers for these collectibles. Most are in the original boxes. Let me know what you think.
I have both figures (each about 15″ tall), made of porclen. They came from the factory and the ties are on the wrong figure. What would be the value of these?
darrell.bohannon@yahoo.com
I have several Signed items.. Hal Roach, Billy Gilbert, Babe London, I also have a 3″ Audio Tape sent from Stan with a Signed letter and info on what he recorded.
I also have the Copy of The Rouge Song that Robert Stowell found in 1981..
I need to sell all items.. Please help.
I am trying to sell my laurel and hardy wooden march of the soilders poster
i have lamps. about 2 feet tall. very heavy chalk. i read that they were made in chicago factory , many years ago. like to sell
I have a Laurel and Hardy 4 wheel bike with Hardy sitting in front and Stan peddeling in back
The bikeis all metel and woks. Any idea what it is worth?’
dickc@q.com
i have laurel and hardy 3 foot high sat on a bench made from hard resin never seen these any where before could they be worth something darrenwig@btinternet.com
I too would like to know if some things i have are worth something, I do not know whom to contact to ask? I would to strangely say that I too have a laurel and hardy of which are very large, close to 3 feet, and have a custom made bench they are both sitting on, perfect condition. I love them, I just wanted to know if someone would contact me, and go over what I have and give a estimate or anything? I am curious is all. Thank you for time. xmistressvampyrx@yahoo.com
Hi, I’m sorry but I generally deal in trading cards, photos and other ephemera–basically paper and flats. I don’t have any experience with these larger items that so many coming to this post seem to have. I’d recommend trying a more general antique site for these or perhaps sharing them on a social site such as http://iantiqueonline.ning.com/ to see if anyone there can be of assistance. Best of luck and thanks for visiting the site!
Great site,,I have a hanging laurel and Hardy figurine set,Its about 30 inchs tall with stanly hanging on Olys pants pulling them down,,its very unque and seems to be very vintage and unrestored,,The detal is amazing and people see it hanging in my house and absoulty love it,but I have had some hard times and im hopping to sell it,,Im asking $250 ,,,Keep up the good work,,thanks Jerry ewui111@yahoo.com
I have SEVERAL laurel and hardy dolls pictures and a few comic books. i also have a ORIGINAL 8mm film in ORIGINAL box. idk wat its for but i would love for someone to give me an estamate. please email me at joe.gould29@yahoo.com.
I have a few figurines as well. I got them from a charity shop.
http://s730.photobucket.com/albums/ww302/ECK_015/Laurel%20and%20Hardy%20figurines/
hi..i have a collectible head & shoulders laurel hardy statue ,excellant detail ,is old..no chips or cracks..in immaculate condition.purple colour felt underneath which is slightly coming away..looks like pot..would be great to know something about this ie-year,value etc..much appreciated..
thankyou nicola
While viewing your collection I think I have spotted my Laurel & Hardy whiskey bottles in the back row, right side of picture. Mine are from the limited collectors series “Heirlooms of Tomorrow” 1971 Roach/Feiner .”Romanelli” is imprinted in the gold on the back of each bottle. One has a paper stamp that says 86 proof MBC 4/5 quart Kentucky straight Bourbon Whiskey bottled by MP’s LTD Los Angeles, Ca.
I have researched these everywhere I can think of and gone over everything in ebay many times and never found them. Can you give me any information on them. Are they rare? Etc. Etc……………Thank you for looking.
KAYE
Kaye, I do think that Bob Duncan still checks this post from time to time, so hopefully he can stop by and provide you with a definitive answer. I’m just chiming in so that you know somebody has seen this.
Are you interested in buying laurel and hardy figures at least 20 items.
I bought the duplicate set of l+h figures next to the set that was owned by Jan Berry.Any idea how rare they ar,or what they’re worth?
hi I have in my position laurel and hardy sitting on a bench. Like the one in the pictures above in the Jan collection. I was wondering if I could have mine appraised. I couldn’t find any markings except 2 letters on the bottom of both figures I believe they are P A.
Hello Cliff! Thanks for sharing your collection. Please let me know if you ever want to get rid off the figurines belonging to Jan Berry. Thank you!
Hi, i have Laurel & Hardy stood together putting on their trousers (i think they pulling them up!) its a lovely figurine but cant find out anything about t, was passed it down from my grandad who passed away 10 years ago, wondered i u knew anything about it pls?
Just adding a reminder that this was a guest post and I don’t handle any of the Laurel & Hardy figures myself (I deal in items like trading cards and still photos). I keep the comments open more or less for Bob’s sake as I believe he still checks in from time to time.
Anyway, just wanted to let you all know if I don’t answer personally I’m not ignoring you, I just can’t help you when it comes to three-dimensional items such as figures, figurines, dolls, cookie jars, etc.
I’ll always point to eBay suggesting you search them for similar items in stock to get an idea of price and possibly market. Best of luck with your items!
Hi, I have a Laurel & Hardy painting in a wooden frame from the chump at oxford I would like you to take a look at if you don’t mind, please get in touch, thanks.
Hello, I have an oil painting of Laurel and Hardy done by E. Schuessler (Ernest Schuessler). The canvas is 15 1/4″ wide by 19 1/4″ long, the ornate frame is 20 1/2″ wide by 24 1/2″ long. clearly vintage and in very good shape, If you are interested to see this painting, please contact me, I would be happy to share pics. I like the painting because it is the two of them together and not in character. The painting is similar to the center small black and white of Laurel and Hardy, under Billy Gilbert in your first photo. Thank you.
Hi,
My dad is wishing to sell his collection of many figurines, two clocks and a photo frame, to Stan and Ollie devotees, someone who would love them and look after them like he would, could anyone help point us in the right direction? I gave photos if anyone is interested.
Thanks
Jen
researching antique vintage laurel and hardy wooden car fire hydrant as seen in one of your pics, what year would it be made, and is it of any value? Thank you, Peter.. from Canada.