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If you look at an old Finis
Catalogue of ventriloquist figures he included a page of novelty
items and today I am happy to share on of the rarest of those items
the talking parrot . This creation by Finis is a premiere example
because it is in near mint condition. The history of this bird is
great too.
In the early days of my collecting I purchased this parrot and my
very first Frank Marshall figure together. I purchased them from an
antique dealer in Florida who did not know what they were. but I can
say neither did I. The Marshall was revealed to me as being a Frank
Marshall by Dan Payes because I had sent it to him for repair. The
mouth was not working and it was painted tar baby black. When I sent
the tar baby to Dan he called me and said" Do you know what this
is?" he then revealed to me I had purchased a Marshall Tommy Knots.
It was only 20" tall and the hands and feet were missing. I was so
excited. I had my First Marshall. I still have it.
I decided to sell the parrot to recoup some money. I listed him on
eBay and Albert Alfaro purchased him. Well the years have passed by
and Albert told me he found the parrot packed in the attic of his
house because of some work he was having done. He said I could
purchase him back and I did. This is the only one I have ever seen
except for the Vent Haven Museum. Also it is carved out of wood. A
great job.
He has moving beak, moving head and his wings flap/ He also bends
forward from the legs. You hold him in your hand and his feet wrap
over your finger and hide the 3 control levers. This is a really
neat figure. I hope you enjoy seeing him.
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