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Rarities
Muppet Collectibles
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Jim
Henson Autographs
While
Jim Henson undoubtedly signed thousands of various autographs over the
years, here are two examples of some of the ones that are quiet collectible.
The
first features Jim Henson in a photo from the late 1970's. If you'll notice
there is a similar picture of the characters (on the Springbok puzzle
for example) which was shot at the same time. The cameraman actually taking
this picture with Jim aired on "60 Minutes" in 1979. This
is a really nice autograph because it is in color, features all of the
characters, and is not only signed by Jim Henson but Kermit the Frog as
well.
This
second autograph is on a more common "signature card." However,
often these signature cards just contain signatures (which are still very
nice to have). Jim often signed things with his signature green sharpie
marker. On some signature cards Jim drew a quick little sketch of Kermit.
But on this one, the artwork is drawn and colored by Henson himself, making
this more valuable and rare. During the 1950's while in college, Jim Henson
drew all kinds of artwork and posters.
This
very large, Muppet Show display poster was sent to select major market
television stations when The Muppet Show premiered on television in 1976.
The poster measures five feet by three feet.
It
includes lots of rare photos from the second pilot, "Sex and Violence"
and Muppet appearances with celebrities such as Ray Charles and Barbara
Eden. This is a one-of-a-kind collectible and one of the best Muppet Show
display pieces ever created.
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The
Muppet Movie keychain (1979)
This
is a vintage goldtone Muppet Movie keychain given to the film cast and
crew. It features the Muppet Movie logo with a smiling Kermit appearing
out of the "O" in "Movie".
The
same logo was also given as as stickpen.
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The
Muppet Movie Belt Bucklet (1979)
Similar
to the Dark Crystal belt buckle
a few years later, Jim Henson gave a Muppet Movie belt buckle to members
of the cast and crew. The buckle features the Muppet Movie logo as seen
on the record cover.
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The
Electric Mayhem Bus (1979, 1999)
This
is the original bus from The Muppet Movie and Muppets From Space. It runs
perfectly, and included a letter of authenticity signed by Brian Henson.
The bus has been updated over the years. For example, originally their
were records on the walls inside, now there are CD's.
In January
and August 1999, this bus was auctioned on eBay for $49,000 and $50,000
respectively. However, it didn't sell. We tried to take up a collection
around here, but we were just a "little" short.
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Miss
Piggy's Wedding (1980)
This
Atari 2600 game prototype is one of only 3 of these known to exist. The
other 2 prototypes are currently owned by overseas collectors. We don't
currently know who wrote the game, but as best as we can tell, the game
was shelved simply due to the market crash and accompanying sale of Atari
to Jack Tramiel who wanted to focus on computers, not video games.
The
playfield consists of Miss Piggy, Kermit The Frog, a key, a yellow vehicle
at the bottom of the screen (likely a Taxi) and dots reminiscent of Adventure
which move vertically along the screen.
In
this game you can: (1) take control of either Kermit or Miss Piggy, (2)
two players can participate simultaneously, (3) touching the key closes
the two exits at the bottom of the screen and 4) running into the opposition
(Kermit or Miss Piggy) after touching the key "eliminates" that player.
There
also were several prototype Sesame games which were never released: Alpha
Beam with Ernie, Big Bird's Egg Catch, Cookie Monster Munch, Oscar's Trash
Race, and Grover's Music Maker.
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The
Muppet Show Belt Bucklet (1981)
Jim
Henson gave this Muppet Show belt buckle to members of the cast and crew.
The buckle features the Muppet Show logo with Kermit in the middle. This
is one of the more sought after company gifts that Jim Henson gave during
the Muppet Show era.
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The
Muppet Show Jacket (1981)
Another
great gift from Jim Henson to cast and crew was a replica of Scooter's
signature green Muppet Show Jacket.
"The
Muppet Show" logo and Kermit are featured on the back. A yellow stripe
is down the arms with orange trim on the neck and waist of the jacket.
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Kermit
the Frog Pendant (1981)
This
is another company gift given to guest stars and cast of "The Muppet
Show".
The
Kermit pendant is sterling silver and features everyone's favorite frog
in a bizarre and almost undescribable position. It appears that he is
running or leaping. Maybe he's doing the Saturday Night Fever, or maybe
not.
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Little
Muppet Monsters Art Cell (1985)
Here's
an incredibly rare early concept drawing of the adult Muppets in animated
form for the animated "Little Muppet Monsters" series.
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Only
two episodes of the show aired on CBS in 1985 under the title, "Muppets,
Babies, and Monsters". The "Little Muppet Monsters" half-hour
segment was replaced with another episode of "Muppet Babies"
shown back-to-back.
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Muppet
Vision 3D - Studio Print (1991)
This
is an authentic reproduction photographic print of the original "Muppet
Studios" 3D project study and conceptual painting. The original painting
has been locked in the Disney vault forever and ever.
There
are only 5 of these in existence. Brian Henson has one of these rare professionally
captured reproduction originals. It is rarer and more valuable than many
of the most valuable Disney cells. This piece of original Disney artwork
was photographed at the Disney Studios, Burbank, California. Framed in
beautiful oak frame, matching matting to preserve this piece.
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Muppet
Meeting Films Watch (1994)
This
is a rare FAO Schwarz Muppet analog watch only given to employees featuring
Leo, performed by Jim Henson, in the Muppet Meeting Films.
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Kermit
the Frog Ring (1995)
This
limited edition, silver Kermit the Frog ring was a holiday gift from Sony
Creative in Japan to the friends and family of The Jim Henson Company.
The
exquisite ring comes in a blue velvet box and has ©Henson and SILVER 925
engraved on the inside. The ring should fit a woman or small man's finger.
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Muppet
Vision 3-D Jackets and Shirts (1991)
A
variety of different jackets and shirts were given to those who worked
on Muppet Vision 3-D. This includes a red jacket with signature Muppet
Vision logo with Kermit. A black jacket with Muppet Vision logo. And a
green T-shirt with Muppet Vision logo. There are different varieties and
colors on the above items as well.
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Muppet
Treasure Island Jacket (1996)
Here
is the official "Muppets From Space" jacket given to cast and
crew who worked on the film.
The
jacket is black and features "The Jim Henson Company" logo in
signature green on the back. Kermit is included as well. The green text
looks very sharp against the dark black. A silhouette of Gonzo is on the
front of the jacket with "Muppets From Space: Cast and Crew"
inscribed underneath.
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Kathrine
Baumann Crystal Bags and Cases (1997, 1998)
This
Kermit and Miss Piggy Collection was created by Kathrine Baumann. Kathrine
is known for designing and producing exclusive limited edition wearable
and displayable art. Celebrities at the Oscars have worn many of her designs
in the last few years.
The
Kermit Collection was released in May 1998 and the Miss Piggy Collection
was released in June 1997. Original retail prices for these items range
from $320.00 to $3,000.00.
This Jim
Henson Licensed Collection includes Miss Piggy and Kermit Pill Boxes,
Bags, Card Cases, and Compacts with Mirrors. Each piece is covered in
Swarovski Crystals from Austria and completed by the same artist start
to finish. They are extremely detailed, even down to Miss Piggy's eyelashes
and pearl necklace. Each pill box and bag opens up and is covered inside
with a gold lining.
These creative
designs will add a little sparkle to your Muppet collection and will be
treasured for a lifetime. They are wonderfully handcrafted and even come
with spare crystals incase one needs to be replaced. These are a must
have for every serious Muppet collector. The photo does not do them justice.
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Signed
Miss Piggy Glove (1999)
This
is Miss Piggy's purple signature glove signed "Love, Miss Piggy"
(Frank Oz). Miss Piggy donated this glove to "The For All Kids Foundation"
as seen on "The Rosie O'Donnell Show" on February 8, 1999.
This
item was auctioned on eBay for about $500. Muppet Central's Daniel O'Toole
won the auction.
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Signed
Kermit's Craft Corner Jacket (1999)
When
Kermit the Frog visited Rosie’s Craft Corner on December 3, 1999, he wore
this yellow jacket that he and his Muppeteer Steve Whitmire have signed
for Rosie’s charity auctions.
They
have written "Hi Ho! Thanks for helping the kids! Love, Kermit the
Frog and Steve Whitmire." Kermit and Steve have autographed the mosaic
picture of Rosie also included.
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Signed
Gonzo's Craft Corner Jacket (1999)
With
the help of Muppeteer Dave Goelz on December 3, 1999, The Great Gonzo
has autographed the yellow jacket with "Rosie’s Craft Corner"
patch that he wore when he was on "The Rosie O’Donnell Show."
Also
included in this auction is a Kermit the Frog mosaic box signed by Kermit
and Muppeteer Steve Whitmire. A mosaic candy cane, wreath and star from
Rosie’s Craft Corner are also part of this package.
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Dr.
Teeth Signature Vest (1999)
From
"The Muppets Big Book of Crafts" is this handmade Dr. Teeth
vest from the Muppets New York workshop.
The
front of the vest features a real Muppet hand on the left side with Dr.
Teeth's caricature on the back.
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Zowie
Entertainment (1999)
Produced
by Zowie Entertainment Inc., 1999.
This
"Muppets From Space" tie-in was never offically released but
there are several sets out there on the collector's market.
These
"smart toys" enable kids to change on-screen worlds and characters
through natural play patterns, Zowie PlayZones uses a proprietary sensing
and recognition technology -- Zowie Power -- which allows the movement
and manipulation of three-dimensional figures and objects to control and
adjust on-screen activities.
This
set features three Muppet characters (Kermit, Gonzo, and Rizzo) in four
Muppet worlds (The Muppet Boarding House, The ABC Cement Factory and Government
Spy Headquarters, Gonzoian Space Ship, and Muppet Labs). There are a series
of computer and live action type games in real time to go along with the
play set. Three different skills levels are available.
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Kermit
Millennium Celebration Glasses (1999)
These
champagne glasses featuring Kermit the Frog celebrating with penguins
were gifts to staff during the December 1999 holiday season.
These glasses were the last company gifts given before the EM.TV
buyout in February 2000. Some of these glasses broke in transit making
them quite collectible in mint condition.
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Star
Jars (1999)
These
Star Jars were never officially released, however, prototypes of the following
do exist making them very rare and valuable for collectors.
Statler
& Waldorf Cookie Jar
Star Jars
released a limited edition Statler & Waldorf cookie jar in their Muppet
Show theater box. The characters and the theater box have incredible detail
down to the gold on the box and the detail in their eyes. This piece was
limited to a run of 1000.
Muppet
Show Theater Cookie Jar
The
following cookie jar with 12 different salt and pepper shakers was unfortunately
discontinued before it officially went into production. To the right is
a prototype cookie jar as a great replica of The Muppet Show theater including
balcony and orchestra pit. The back of the jar even features an exit for
the backstage of the theater.
The salt
and pepper shakers for the theater included: Kermit & Miss Piggy,
Fozzie & Gonzo, Animal & his drums, Rowlf and his piano, Statler
& Waldorf, and Bunsen & Beaker.
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MuppetFest
Souvenirs (2001)
Muppet
Show Live Script
On
December 9, 2001, the first annual MuppetFest
fan convention culminated with one of the most special events a Muppet
fan will ever see. For the first time ever on a live stage, "The Muppet
Show Live" was performed before our very eyes.
This is an
autographed copy of the script given to a few fans at the convention.
Autographs include Brian Henson, Martin Blake, Jerry Nelson, John Kennedy
Jim Lewis, Dave Goelz, Steve Whitmire, John Henson, Bill Barretta, and
Craig Shemin.
You can read
the entire script
of this performance in our MuppetFest section.
MuppetFest
Signed Lithograph
This fantastic
signed lithograph was given to "gold" reservations durring the
MuppetFest fan convention. This lithograph had a run of about 300.
It's a large
photo on very thick paper, and features the Henson performers signatures
in gold. It is 15 inches by 10 inches and includes signatures from Jerry
Nelson, Bill Barretta, Dave Goelz, and Steve Whitmire.
Go
back to Muppet Collectibles.
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Section
compiled by
Phillip Chapman
With
Contributions from
John Hardie (Miss Piggy's Wedding)
Lori Abernathy (Kathrine Baumann Crystal Bags and Cases)
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