November 2012 Newsletter

Next week, Wednesday, November 14th, we’ll have another edition of Ventriloquist Central Telephone Talk.

On the call we’ll be making a BIG ANNOUNCEMENT that you will not want to miss. Also, we are planning on having a few surprise guests that are involved in this announcement.

We've had many requests, so we're listening to you!!!

Be sure to be on the call at 8pm Eastern, 7pm Central and 5pm Pacific and join in for this announcement from Ventriloquist Central.

To participate all you have to do is call in to our conference telephone number, then enter the conference access code. The telephone number is, 712-432-3900 and the access code is, 532161# (your normal long distance charges may apply).

 

Enjoy the rest of the newsletter.

Ventriloquist Central Presents...

A Frank Marshall Tribute DVD

I find it funny that the term head lock is used for ventriloquist figures. When you read this you immediately think the head is locked but how is it locked. What it means is the head is secured to the bottom board of the body in some manner. It really isn’t locked. Many variations have been used and the most common is that of a rubber band if some sort. On the bottom of the head stick is a hook and on the bottom inside board of the body is another hook. The band is attached to both hooks and holds the head so that it will not fall out of the body....

Interestingly some questions were asked about the Charlie McCarthy figures that were sold back in the 1930?s and asking how to tell the difference. First of all there was only one officially licensed company which sold Charlie McCarthy toy figures and that was Effanbee. The likeness was exact to that of Charlie McCarthy and they sold these figures in two sizes which were 15? tall and 20? tall. Both sizes came in a multitude of outfits ranging from Charlie’ detective outfit to his full tuxedo. Even his tuxedos came in different styles some with black satin lapels, some with purple satin lapels, some with white dinner jacket. Both sizes had the monocle which was metal and attached in a tiny hole drilled into the head....

Here is a very nice video that Matt Kimbro sent in to me. After I watched it I knew I had to share it with everyone.

My Idol in ventriloquism is W.S. Berger. I give him credit for having the fore sight to see the value of ventriloquist figures before they were a collectible item in any sense of the word collectible. They were used props which to anyone other than he were valueless. He was able to purchase figures directly from the great makers of the early 20th century for the asking prices they sold to any one else that was buying a figure. He purchased Jacko from the McElroy Brothers for $125.00 and was able to actually make monthly payments to them for the purchase. How great was that??.....

One of the most often asked question of me is where someone can purchase a McElroy ventriloquist figure. I hate to give out the real answer but in reality there is no place at present time where you can purchase an original McElroy figure. They are all presently in the hands of just a few and to my knowledge none are for sale at the present time....

October Archives

Missed one of the monthly Ventriloquist Central Newsletters? 

Here are the Archives!

“The ULTIMATE Guide To Building Your Own
Ventriloquist Figure, Volume 1”

 “The ULTIMATE Guide To Building Your Own Ventriloquist Figure, Volume 1” is a step-by-step system from start to finish, so you can create your very own ventriloquist figure.  Now you can become a ventriloquist figure builder. This guide will answers all your questions, show you all the short-cuts, and give you a quick and easy paint-by-the-numbers way to making your own ventriloquist figure-- even if you don’t think you can do it.

“The ULTIMATE Guide To Building Your Own Ventriloquist Figure, Volume 1”

Ventriloquist Nina Conti and Her Audience Dummy!

Click here to see this clip

The Ventriloquist Marketplace

"Our Ventriloquist Marketplace works and works consistently when items are priced right."

Ventriloquist Marketplace

This is a superb example of a Cheeky boy done by Walt Botley. He is a full 40″ tall and just as with Insull figures, his head is made of paper mache. He has side to side moving eyes by way of weights. When you move the head the eyes move back and forth. One eye has a winker and of course he has mouth movement. His mouth actually opens wider than the Insull figures. Botley impressed his name into the head stick.

When Tony Davis visited me to see the Ventriloquist Central Collection he was most impressed with Charlie and Mortimer that were carved by Bob Isaacson but he also told me that he loved the Effanbee Charlie McCarthy dolls (as do I) so he wanted a WC Fields figure to go with his Charlie. Well Tony decided that his copy of WC Fields would be better sitting amongst the Charlie’s here at Ventriloquist Central. Tony sent me pictures and I of course said I would love to have him.

I was contacted a while ago by a ventriloquist in Germany and was asked if I would be interested in a wood carved figure by maker Jerry Baum. I was totally unfamiliar with this man’s work but I love the wood carved figures so I asked for pictures and low and behold the figure was a rendition of Walter.

Ventriloquist Central Videos

VentriloquistCentralVideos.com

Awhile back I showed you pictures of two unusual figures I named “Fred and Ethel.” I had quite a few emails wanting to see a video of the pair so here it is.

Last month I showed you one of the most loaded with movements in one figure that Frank ever created. It has the following functions, slot jaw, side to side self centering eyes, crossing eyes, winkers, individual blinkers, raising eyebrows, wiggling ears, upper lip smile and stick out tongue. I’ve received emails wanting to see a video of the headstick, so here it is....

This is a truly one of a kind figure which was made and used by our good friend Bob Isaacson. I did say made by Bob but there were other hands involved. The head casting with unfinished face was done by John Arvites , the mechanics were done by Alan Semok and then the finish carving of this great face ,the painting, wigging and body was done by Mr Isaacson.

Here’s a video of a very rare wood carved Brian Hamilton ventriloquist figure. He has slot jaw, side to side self centering eyes, raising eyebrows, winkers/blinkers and a hand shaker. He stands just shy of 40″ tall and everything on him is original. His paint and wig.

Frank Marshall carved some wonderful figures for performer Johnny Main from Niagara Falls New York. This was Marshall’s first creation for Johnny. His name is Archie. He is a superior figure in the Nosey style and was loaded up by Frank with the following functions. Slot jaw, side to side self centering eyes, crossing eyes, winkers/blinkers and upper lip smile.

Everyone today who is into ventriloquism should know who Dan Payes is because he has been selling Ventriloquist Figures for around 15 years. He is one of those that I certainly would call a prolific builder. Hundreds of his figures are now out there in the hands of performers and collectors. In his building of figures he has created a Siamese Twins figure and to date he has made only four of them. They are spread around the world and today I am happy to show all of you the one that has become a part of the Ventriloquist Central Collection.

"What Would You Do If Your
Ventriloquist Figure Were
Stolen Or Destroyed?"

Here's The Best Way To Protect Your Investment

For Those Interested In The Art Of Ventriloquism

“The Ventriloquism Historical Information Collection, Volume 1.”

I just wanted to say to everyone that the Ventriloquist Marketplace is doing a terrific job of putting sellers and buyers together for some terrific ventriloquist items. I can’t stress this enough that if you price your items to sell they will go rather quick. If you overprice your item it is going to sit.

Just remember that you certainly can list on the big auction site, and you certainly get exposure but you pay all the fees on your sale which translates into about 15% of your total sale. Why should you give them that money. Think about this if you are willing to pay the big site that percentage why not lower the price on the Ventriloquist Marketplace and give that savings to a buyer. You are still receiving what you would have received anyway.

Posting on the Marketplace for a higher amount than what you will sell for on the other place just doesn’t make much sense. You see all those that search for ventriloquist items on eBay also look every day on the VC Marketplace. The listing fee on Ventriloquist Marketplace is one time and you deal direct with your buyer. No middleman fees to pay!!

With the holiday season approaching the Ventriloquist Marketplace is a great to make a few bucks and sell those ventriloquial items that you no longer need or want.......PLUS...a great place to find that item you've been looking to buy.

Till next time,
Dan

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