Monday, May 30, 2011

What a Piece: The Esco Statue



I typically prefer to talk about functional vintage items, but being that I stumbled across these beautiful statues last week, I figured I’d talk about them – collectible or home décor, The Esco Statue.

When I was a kid – 10 or 11 years old – I asked for a Babe Ruth Esco statue for Christmas. I had no idea what they were, but I knew that I liked Babe Ruth, and the statue was pretty neat when I saw it at Marshall Fields or Montgomery Ward or wherever I spotted it. A few years later, it got knocked off a shelf and a few major pieces broke off (half of the nose and the bill of the hat). A few years after that, another incident, and a few more chunks of Babe came off. Eventually, during a mass purging due to a move, I had to lay Babe to rest – I threw him away.

(Babe statue in an Esco collection)

I’ve since seen statues that were obviously broken in pieces and put back together again. Made in New Jersey starting in the 1970s by the Esco Company, these 17” chalkware statues are true pieces of art. The craftsmanship is evident, and the likenesses are quite accurate. Seemingly to avoid paying royalties to the pop culture figures whose images they were using, they only did runs of 100 statues at a time for each design. Comedians, actors, sports figures, presidents, and so forth. There are over 100 different figures out there, and that doesn’t include the knock-offs and statues influenced by Esco.

Like anything, some statues are more common than others, and of course, some icons are more collectable than others. The trick is quality. Without care, they can chip or cracks easily. You typically see, at the very least, nicks in the paint, revealing the white chalkware underneath. If you can find a statue in excellent condition or better, pick it up.

There’s not a lot of information around on Esco statues – even less on the company – but there is a forum where Esco collectors share information and pictures of collections. Some of the collections are simply amazing by any standard. You can typically find statues on Ebay, but they’re going for big bucks nowadays – especially for monster statues, like the Wolfman Esco, which recently sold for $800. Crazy.

I found a couple late last year for my uncle – Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy.



Last week, I bought 7 Esco statues at one sale. Two for my uncle (John Wayne and Jimmy Durante) and two for me (Groucho Marx and Humphrey Bogart) – three to sell (Bud Abbott, W.C. Fields, and Elvis). I may even keep W.C. Fields as well.

Elvis will be in the Junk and Howe store this week. Bud Abbott coming soon.


Elvis Esco Chalkware Statue for sale (SOLD)






60 comments:

  1. Some of your ESCO statues may be recent copies.
    It looks as if an original was used to make a new mold, probably in China, and restrikes were cast.
    I thought I got a real buy on a WC Fields (I already have one)and could clearly see the 'softer' detail and bad painting. All the restrikes seem to have the same 'doll-flesh' color and none of the patina of the real ones from the 1960-1970's. I suspect your Fields and Bud Abbott are not vintage.

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  2. I could send you photos if you wish.
    Charles

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  3. I understand what you're saying (I had reservations about the Abbott myself when I purchased it because of the color on the flesh), but I am almost certain they're not reproductions, actually.

    Some statues were painted by individuals - regular, everyday folks - which, at times, accounts for the "off" colors or alternate paint schemes you see on occasion. Every so often, you will see unpainted ones today. I've even seen Abbott without the mustache. Some have the Esco markings on the bases, some don't. Some statues were stored well, others weren't or were displayed for the last 30-35 years. Many were made after the 1970s.

    In comparing these statues to the rest of the collections displayed around the Internet, and those I've seen in person, I'm fairly certain these statues are all real.

    Thanks for the comments! Feel free to send those pictures to our email - I'll definitely take a gander.

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  4. I have an ESCO products chalkware statue of a priest of some kind that can be seen here: http://thumbs1.ebaystatic.com/d/l225/m/mY61btbk_YGkLBXBWS35_aw.jpg
    I was wondering if anyone has ever seen one like it, it is in very good condition, lots of detail. Just a hooded man holding what appears to be prayer beads, no other symbols or markings other than "ESCO PRODUCTS INC."
    If anyone would like to drop me a line about it, I could take my own photos of it. I just wanted to know some kind of history behind this guy, I've been carrying him around with me since I bought him in a Spokane,Washington thrift store for 7 bucks.
    [AlexanderK.Webb@gmail.com]

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  5. I have been looking to buy some of these. So far I have only been able to buy Louis Armstrong in the price range and condition I wanted. Let me know if anyone is selling them.

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    1. Hello David, here's my email lisamlegs1230@aol.com ..... if you are still interested! Thank You!!!

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    2. Hi my name is Daniel and due to some recent unfortunate events I am forced to see an original John Wayne essco statue I have ! There are a few chips and some paint spots but will take a reasonable offer !!

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  6. I have a bunch of these if you are imterested

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    Replies
    1. I am interested.

      Who do you have and what are your asking prices?

      Bill

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    2. Do you have a Charlie Chaplin? I do, and mine's a lamp (either created that way, or post purchase). Love to hear what info you might have.

      Tom

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  7. I have just a head of oliver hardy from a abandoned auction room

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  8. Interested in Esco Statues, what do you have?

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    Replies
    1. I have Charlie Chaplin statue that's also a lamp.

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    2. In fact, I've listed my statue/lamp on Ebay, if you're interested. (http://www.ebay.com/itm/332024930198)

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  9. Interested in Esco Statues, what do you have?

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    Replies
    1. I have Charlie Chaplin statue that is also a lamp.

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    2. In fact, I've listed my statue/lamp on Ebay, if you're interested. (http://www.ebay.com/itm/332024930198)

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    3. I have 25 left from original collection.
      Downsizing and wanting to sell.

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  10. I am looking for a jimmy Durante.. Do you have one? Price?

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    Replies
    1. I have Jimmy Durante plus 29 more.
      judef72@gmail.com

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    2. Do u have Vincent Price House on Haunted Hill?

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  11. I am looking for a jimmy Durante.. Do you have one? Price?

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  12. I am looking for a jimmy Durante.. Do you have one? Price?

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  13. Still looking for esco statues....especially chico marx

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  14. Still looking for esco statues....especially chico marx

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  15. Hi looking for in on Esco statues I have the set of the Honeymooners but am looking to buy a collection from someone I know and I'm concerned if their original Esco statues any help appreciated thank you

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  16. Sorry I made a typo I meant info on Esco

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  17. hello, how do I see an accurate listing of the ESCO statues you have? and how does a person purchase one, if interested.

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  18. I have a ralph kramden statue from the honeymooners made by esco. I am looking For Norton. It doesnt matter to me if its an updated copy . can you help?

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  19. Interested in Esco Elvis &/or Tom Jones in good condition at reasonable price.
    Thank You!
    Dave-NY

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  20. Hi I came across Marilyn Monroe and Abbott and Costello cleaning out grandpas things. Anyone can help with value?

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  21. Marilyn Monroe and Laurel & Hardy for sale - make offer!

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  22. Marilyn Monroe and Abbot & Costello for sale, some chipping - make offer!

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    Replies
    1. I might be interested in Marilyn if it's not too bad of shape.

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  23. Looking to buy Vincent Price House on Haunted Hill statue.

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  24. I just today purchased my first Esco statues. I have never heard of nor seen any before now. I am certain they are authentic. I bought the Three Stooges, Moe, Larry and Curley all for $75.00. By what little I could find on line for prices I got one heck of a good deal. She has another Moe and a curley. She had a friend who was a Three Stooges collector who passed on and these were part of that collection. I am certain she would like to sell the others as well. I and she are in the Worcester area of Massachusetts.

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  25. Vincent Price house on haunted hill?

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  26. Hello - I'm Eddie and I'm still looking for an Ed Norton statue to go with my Ralph statue. If anyone has an Ed Norton please let me know
    Thank you for your time

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  27. I need a Harpo and a Larry from the 3 stooges. Any ideas where to abtain them. Besides eBay?

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  28. I am interested in some Esco statues.. Elvis and Marylin Monroe sitting on a Rock..

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  29. I’ve got some 70’s Esco chalkware statues if anyone is interested. I currently have Clark Gable, Jimmy Durante in a green suit, Louis Armstrong, Jack Benny, Laurel & Hardy, Humphrey Bogart, and the three Marx brothers Groucho, Chico, and Harpo (with Groucho’s original glasses). Please email or text me at (915) 202-8715 or erichsmith25.es61@gmail.com

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    Replies
    1. Hi....... I discovered I have an ESCO of an English "Bobbie". I did not know they were so valuable. How do I find out the value of mine if you can help. Thanks.
      Terry

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  30. I have five presidents for sale in excellent condition. Presidents: Nixon, Senior and George W. Bush, Clinton and Regan.

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  31. Hello. I am trying to locate for purchase a Clark Kent also
    Al Capone( Al Capone is a Kimro).

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    1. What does the AlCapone look like?

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    2. google to see a picture: Al Caprone Kimro statue (Tall Hand Painted site had one for sale last year)

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    3. Correct spelling: Al Capone Kimro statue

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  32. Looking to purchase Ed Norton and Alice Kramden Esco statues. Please contact if selling or know of availability.
    dside58@yahoo.com

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    Replies
    1. I might have a Ed Norton but his head is broken from the body

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  33. I have a John wayne that I will sell...it has a large chunk missing from the brim of his hat but can definitely be repaired...selling at a decently low price

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  34. Does anyone have a TOM JONES &/or ELVIS for sale? Does anyone know if Esco did James Brown? Thank You!!

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