READ LISTING DETAILS & VIEW PHOTOS SO THE ITEM RECEIVED IS THE ITEM EXPECTED - Please DO NOT assume!!
=====================================================
- PRE-OWNED/PREVIOUSLY DISPLAYED VENTRILOQUIST DUMMY -
VERY RARE
Paul Winchell's "KNUCKLEHEAD SMIFF"
24" Ventriloquist Dummy Doll
By Juro Novelty Co 1958-1959 Only
Jerry Mahoney's Sidekick
Includes Paul Winchell's "How To Be A Ventriloquist' Guide By Juro
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HISTORY
Knucklehead Smiff was created by Paul Winchell as Jerry Mahoney’s sidekick.
In the early days Jerry would always talk about his pal Knucklehead. Eventually Paul Winchell fans were curious and wanted to meet Knucklehead. So, Paul Winchell created a Knucklehead dummy.
This
is a very rare early version of the Knucklehead Smiff ventriloquist dummy doll
made by Juro Novelty.
This is Juro's first version of Knucklehead Smiff that looks more like the real Knucklehead ventriloquist figure created by Paul Winchell. See Last Comparison Photo. Notice the head is larger and jaw is wider than the later, more common versions
After a short production run of 1958-1959 only, Juro re-did the head to match the proportions of the Jerry Mahoney companion doll, both of which were sold through the early to mid 1960s.
Knucklehead ventriloquist dummy dolls were briefly sold by Juro Novelty Co through the early 1960s. Unfortunately, demand for Knuckleheads never took off (Jerry Mahoney dummies outsold Knuckleheads 7 to 1) and production was discontinued after only to a
few years making all Knucklehead dummies rare and in demand with collectors.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
His body is cloth fiber filled and quite firm (typical of 1950s-60s dummies) with plastic head and hands
A movable mouth operated by a string in back of neck (SEE PHOTOS) that DOES work as it should - opens when you pull the string and closes when you release the string (SEE VIDEO) - String has been changed (SEE PHOTOS)
Measures 24" tall
No date or manufacturer markings on back of neck
Face and head show marks/stains from age, use, display and storage (SEE PHOTOS)
Hands will also show the epected wear from age, handling, use, display and storage DO NOT EXPECT PRISTINE! (SEE PHOTOS)
Clothing appears to be the correct vintage. (SEE PHOTOS). Remember, ol Knuck here is over 60 years old and you should expect wear from age, use, handling, display and storage
Vintage Shoes Included
NEED MORE PHOTOS?... JUST ASK. DO NOT ASSUME! SOLD AS NO RETURNS!
Please view pictures as they are part of the description.
Additional photos available upon request
================================
This item is part os a collection of item I have been asked to sell for a local friend. When he reached retirement he decided to start collecting and it got way out of hand. They are downsizing due to financial needs and his wife wants no more items coming in and many items to go out. Please understand that I did not buy them new. I do not know the history of this item aside from what I already explained. If there are any dates, I can only offer that information. I cannot and do not guarantee completeness, originality. All items sold AS-IS as I am not the original owner.
If you have any questions, ASK them before you buy so the item you receive is the item you are expecting! I am happy to answer any questions, provide additional photos, whatever I can to help you know what you are buying.
Unlike most eBay sellers I do not use the generic 'say nothing' AI description. I take the time to accurately describe the actual item in the photos. I post many photos from different angles. I cannot force you but, it is your responsibility to view those photos and read the description so you know what you are buying. I am also not responsible if you do not read the listing and make your own assumptions.
I CANNOT BE MORE HONEST THAN THAT!
SOLD AS "NO RETURNS"
================================
SHIPPING
STANDARD SHIPPING (TO CONTINENTAL 48 STATES ONLY) WILL BE USPS GROUND or UPS GROUND or FEDEX GROUND (My Choice)
Shipping includes full value insurance. Most sellers do not bother paying the additional $5-$10 to properly insure the package for full value above the standard free $100 coverage.. Then, if there is damage of loss, you have to jump through hoops and file a claim to get the $100 from the shipper (who frequently decline claims if the item was not packed properly), then you will need to get eBay involved to receive money refunded from the seller. Sounds like fun! Signature may be required
You must have a continental US residential or commercial address for UPS or FedEx shipping. PO Box addresses will be shipped USPS Ground
If your address is a AK, HI, PR, Guam, VI or APO please write BEFORE purchasing for an accurate USPS quote.
USPS PRIORITY MAIL: If you prefer USPS Priority Mail please write before offering or purchasing as I cannot modify shipping options after an offer or purchase. Be aware that USPS Priority is no longer a 2-3 days delivery is now estimated by the USPS as 3-8 days delivery (if you are lucky) UPS & FedEx Ground still delivers within 4-5 days coast to coast and usually for less than USPS Priority Mail.
HANDLING TIME: This item will be shipped within Two (2) Business Days after receipt of clear payment. If payment is received on Thursday or Friday - it will be shipped the following week.
DELIVERY DATE: This is an eBay generated date. It is NOT stated or guaranteed by the seller or the shipping service. It is an eBay ESTIMATE based on a 'Best Case' scenario. It does not take into consideration Time of Year (Holidays), Shippers Seasonal workload, Natural Disasters (Hurricanes, Wild Fires, Volcanic Eruptions, etc) or even a sneak attack by aliens from Mars. It is an ESTIMATE! It is NOT a set in stone, guaranteed delivery date and should not be considered the definite ‘WILL ARRIVE BY’ date.
** WE SHIP WORLDWIDE USING THE EBAY GLOBAL SHIPPING PROGRAM - IF INTERESTED OR NEED MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE INQUIRE! **
NOTE: Due to past experience where some people require tracking confirmation to acknowledge they have received every item shipped, I will no longer combine items.
EVERY ITEM WILL BE SHIPPED WITH ITS OWN TRACKING NUMBER TO CONFIRM DELIVERY.
================================
QUALITY PACKING / WHY WE ARE DIFFERENT:
(1) WE PACK PROFESSIONALLY AND WITH CARE!
(2) We only use NEW, unused boxes
(3) We only use NEW store bought packing material
(4) We DO NOT re-use boxes from someone’s garbage
(5) We DO NOT use airpacks
(6) We DO NOT use crumpled newspaper from someone's garbage as filler
(7) We tape ALL seems of the box, not just one strip of tape down the center on each side
Unrealistically Cheap or Free Shipping usually gets your item crammed into a tiny box or tossed into an empty box, unwrapped with little or no packing material If you have bought on eBay you know what I am saying is true!
=========================NO RETURNS:
Due to the reason for the sale, to help a family pay expenses, and due to the fragile nature of this item, it is sold as NO RETURNS - You agree to those terms upon purchase.
This item will be shipped WITH insurance
If it arrives damaged or broken, please contact UPS or USPS as it was shipped with insurance and the shipper is responsible for any damage that occurs while they have the package.
========================
Thank You For Your Interest
(BXx)