Lot 176

Previous image preload Next image preload

Description:

SAMMY DAVIS JR.''S "MR. BOJANGLES" BOWLER
A national treasure known affectionately as ''Mr. Show Business'', Sammy Davis Jr.''s career spanned decades. A dancer, singer, actor, comedian, musician, and Civil Rights pioneer, it seemed Sammy Davis Jr. could do it all. And he did. While a member of the Frank Sinatra/Dean Martin-led ''Rat Pack'' in the 1950s-60s and throughout his lifetime, Davis Jr. stoically withstood the slings and arrows of racial bigotry. Even while a headliner in Las Vegas, Davis was compelled to stay in lodging on the opposite side of the city, rather than in luxury hotels like his contemporaries. Still, he somehow kept a sense of humor. A popular story often repeated by Davis Jr. was about the time he went golfing with comedian Jack Benny. Benny asked him ''What''s your handicap?'', to which Davis Jr. replied ''Talk about handicap…I''m a one-eyed, Negro Jew.'' This black bowler made by Stetson Hat Co., was worn by Davis Jr. during a performance of his trademark song ''Mr. Bojangles'' on the Joe Franklin Show in New York City in the late 1980s. Accompanied by a fully executed letter and press package from late TV talk show legend Joe Franklin who received the derby as a gift from Davis Jr., as well as an 8'' x 10'' portrait of Davis Jr. and Franklin on set.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Shipments are sent via USPS Priority, USPS International Priority, DHL (for most overseas shipments) or FedEx Ground at the auctioneer's option, signature is always required, unless other arrangements are made. Handling and shipping charges will be added to the invoice in one entry. Buyers should be aware that large, framed, fragile or odd shaped items can incur substantial shipping and packing charges. International shipments are invoiced by DIMENSIONAL weight, not the item weight. Please contact us for an estimate before bidding NOTE: Large, heavy or bulky items may not be shipped by the auctioneer - arrangements for shipping of these items via a third-party shipper may be arranged through the auction house. Customers who supply their own courier account number will still be charged a handling fee. Please allow 2-3 weeks for shipments after receipt of payment due to the high volume of packages being shipped.

April 7, 2017 2:00 PM EDT
Brooklyn, NY, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 30% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 + $10,000