This is a most special figure
because it was made by two of the most famous figure making teams
ever. This figure was originally owned by famous ventriloquist Bob
Neller who made the whistling effect famous with his figure.
Originally this figure was Carved by Frank Marshall for Mr Neller in
the 1930's and the lips made a pucker effect to accomplish the
effect. Later on Mr Neller took the Marshall head to the McElroy
brothers , George & Glen , and had them convert all the mechanics to
their style contols. So this is one of only a few McElroy figures
that has a carved wooden head. The McElroys also fitted the head to
their body and used their hands and feet. Mr Neller used this figure
until he purchased his McElroy Reggie figure. Then he retired this
guy .
Mr Neller was performing in Wisconsin in 1953 and a young fellow
named Bernie Kallman went to see Mr Neller perform accompanied by
his mother. After the show Bernie's mother took him and went to meet
Mr Neller and after introductions informed Mr Neller that her son
Bernie was a budding ventriloquist and she would like to know where
to purchase a more professional figure for her son. Mr. Neller said
I have your problem solved and they met during the next week and Mr
Neller sold her this figure for her son for the princely sum of
$125.00. After the sale , at a later date , Mr Neller contacted
Bernie and tried to buy back the McElroy body and said he had the
original Marshall body to go with the Marshall head but Bernie said
no thanks. Smart kid!!
Bernie used this figure all through his teen years even taking him
to his prom. He performed but never made it a profession. He went on
to do other things and the figure was put away. I was lucky enough
to purchase this figure from Bernie and I am the third owner of this
great example of vent history.
This figure has slot jaw, whistling lips, raising eyebrows, weighted
side to side eye movement, up and down eye movement. A stupendous
figure that has been restored by Ray Guyll. |
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