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Osian’s - Connoisseurs of Art Pvt. Ltd purchases Charlie Chaplin’s
screen-used cane from the film ‘The Masquerader’ for an
incredible $50,000. Bought privately from a leading dealer in Beverly
Hills of guaranteed-authentic original Hollywood Film Memorabilia,
the bamboo-ribbed cane is 35 inches long with 25 ribs. Adding to
its beauty is a metal tip and bulbous knob at the end of the handle.
The cane comes with a studio tag stamped ‘Charles Chaplin Film
Corporation - Alfred Reeves General Manager - # 449 cane.’
This new purchase adds to the recent acquisition of Osian’s
Hollywood Sci-fi and Horror Film Memorabilia, Elvis Presley’s
ring and waist belt, Marilyn Monroe vintage prints, rare artworks
of Marlon Brando, James Bond, Alfred Hitchcock, Clint Eastwood among
many others.
Mr. Neville Tuli, Founder Chairman, Osian’s says, “Chaplin’s
cane is one of the great material icons of cinematic history. It’s
presence in India can trigger many changes, especially in the correct
context. It is an item which will especially appeal to the masses
once we have completed our Chaplin archive.”
A wonderful part of film history, the cane is a signature piece,
a true Charlie Chaplin icon. It perfectly captures the romance of
the silent film era. The cane can be seen very prominently throughout
the film. With the cane also comes a four-page letter of authenticity
giving full provenance, further stating that the Smithsonian offered
to buy this for their permanent collection and a copy of the Hollywood
Reporter dated 6 October 1953, with an announcement of the sale
of the ‘Complete Equipment of the Chaplin Studios’ from
which the cane was originally obtained.
A 16 minute film, ‘The Masquerader’s’ plot revolves
around Chaplin as an actor, approaching Keystone Pictures seeking
employment. After messing up several scenes, he is thrown off the
set, but returns dressed as a lady. He succeeds in charming the
director, but still never makes it into the film and winds up at
the bottom of a well.
Charlie Chaplin got his start at Keystone when Mack Sennett (owner
of Keystone Pictures Studio) hired him fresh from his vaudeville
career to make silent films. One of the most creative and influential
personalities in the silent film era, he acted in, directed, scripted,
produced, and eventually even scored for his own films. His working
life in entertainment spanned over 70 years.
A pioneering Archive and Auction House, Osian’s will launch
The Osianama in October 2007 where the vast and diverse collection
of film memorabilia will have a permanent home for display which
will be accessible to the public. It is for the first time that
Film Memorabilia from all over the world will be unwrapped to such
a vast audience. Mr. Tuli’s vision of building the most comprehensive
and prominent collection and research hub for Indian, Asian and
World arts & cinema is steadily moving towards its goal.
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