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October 22, 2015: Original Superman Watercolor by Frank Frazetta at Hake's Americana Auction
America’s pop culture headquarters, Hake’s Americana, will offer an unprecedented selection of memorabilia and collectibles in their online, phone and absentee Auction #216 that closes for bidding Nov. 10-12. More than 200 collector categories are represented in the 2,735-lot sale, with a timeline that starts with a Benjamin Franklin book published in 1745 and concludes with Walking Dead comic books issued in 2012.
Following Hake's previous auction success with Superman rarities from the late Ken “Franco” Toscanini's collection, it's now time for Part II and more fantastic buying opportunities. Lot 1622 is not only of interest to Superman enthusiasts but also those who yearn to own original art by legendary illustrator Frank Frazetta (American, 1928-2010). It's an original 15.5 by 17.5-inch full-color Frazetta artwork of Superman in flight, signed by the artist with a copyright date of 1988.
"This was the only depiction of Superman Frank Frazetta ever created," said Hake's President Alex Winter. "It was a commissioned job to commemorate the character’s 50th anniversary.” The artwork is accompanied by a letter from Harry Matetsky, renowned collectibles historian and author of The Adventures Of Superman Collecting. In the letter, Matetsky states: “When he accepted the commission, Frazetta said that his version of ‘the Man of Steel’ would be based on the style of Superman’s original creators, Jerry Siegel and Joe Schuster." Colorful and historical, the original watercolor is expected to make $10,000-$20,000.
America's favorite superhero also makes a powerful impression in Lot 2070 - a rare linen-mounted one-sheet poster publicizing the original 1948 release of the movie serial starring Kirk Alyn as Superman. Jointly produced by Columbia Pictures and National Comics Pub. Inc. (DC Comics), the poster features a great near-full-body depiction of Superman flying over three comic books. Estimate: $10,000-$20,000.
Also from the Toscanini collection, Lot 2430 is a colorfully pictorial shipping carton that originally contained 20 boxes of Bowman’s Superman 1-Cent Super Bubble Gum and Picture Card sets. “Unlike many gum-card shipping boxes that were generic, this one is illustrated on all sides, with images of Superman in flight on two of the sides,” said Winter. One of only two examples known to Hake’s, it is estimated at $10,000-$20,000.
Hake's Americana Auction #216 is open for bidding by phone, mail or online at www.hakes.com. The first session will close on Nov. 10, 2015, while the second session will conclude on Nov. 12. Nov. 11 is an interim day in which bidders can peruse the catalog and prepare for further bidding. To request a free printed catalog or for information on any item in the sale, call toll-free: (866) 404-9800, email: hakes@hakes.com, or visit the auction catalog online at www.hakes.com.
