Description:

Walter Lantz
various, ca. 1948, 1980
Walter Lantz, Woody Woodpecker Creator, Lot of 2 Including Sketch!
Archive

A delightful pairing individually signed by cartoonist Walter Lantz, creator of Woody Woodpecker. Ranging in date from 1948 to 1980. Consisting of original sheet music for Woody's iconic theme song signed and sketched by Lantz, as well as a souvenir photograph. Both feature a holographic Beckett authentication sticker affixed in the lower right verso. Please see below for additional condition information.

The lot includes:

1.) "Woody Woodpecker" original sheet music by George Tibbles and Ramey Idriss, featured and recorded by Kay Kyser. New York: Leeds Music Corporation, 1948. 4pp. Signed in the lower right of front cover, "Walter Lantz", with a charming sketch of the eponymous character. Heavy to moderate creasing throughout, with areas of uneven staining. Small, intermittent tears present to edges. Measures 9" x 12" overall.

2.) Black and white photograph signed in the margins, "To William W. Stanhope/ Walter Lantz 1980". The image shows Lantz surrounded by his beloved characters, among them Woody Woodpecker, Chilly Willy, and Andy Panda. Exhibits light curling to edges, else very good. Measures 4.75" x 7".

Walter Lantz (1899-1994) was an American cartoonist, animator, and director best known for creating Woody Woodpecker. From the late 1920s to mid-30s, he was hired by Disney Studios to direct and produce 'Oswald the Lucky Rabbit', where he worked until its dwindling popularity as the result of the new Mickey Mouse cartoons. Woody Woodpecker first appeared in the short 'Knock Knock' on November 25, 1940, starring alongside Lantz's other creation Andy Panda. The character was an immediate hit, becoming the star of his own cartoons throughout the 1940s. In 1947, Woody got his theme song when musicians George Tibbles and Ramey Idriss wrote "The Woody Woodpecker Song", making ample use of the character's famous laugh. Band leader Kay Kyser's 1948 recording, with Harry Babbitt's laugh interrupting vocalist Gloria Wood, became one of the biggest hit singles of 1948.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 9" x 12" (largest)
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