Since I have been collecting this question has come up a number of times and this is, does a ventriloquist figure lose value with a replacement body.
As everyone knows I am a purist when it comes to my ventriloquist figures and that is because I dealt in general antiques for so many years. The purist wants everything to be original. The more original the better. I just can’t stress that statement enough but you really must apply this to context in which it is involved.
If you only collect ventriloquist figures, and do not perform, then the originality is most important. I want my figures to have all original parts. Correct head with the body built by the same maker and the hands also from the same maker. That is the collector talking. ORIGINAL!!!
If you perform then this is not going to make a difference. So if you have a head from one figure and a body from another who is going to know except YOU. The effect is the same for sure. You have a complete figure sitting on your knee or stand, His mouth moves and the banter between the figure and performer takes place. Makes absolutely no difference who the body .or the head was made by.
Now when you retire after 100 years of performing and the family finds your pal in the trunk in the attic they heirs decide to sell. Here is where things change. If the figure is all original point for point it could be worth mega money but if it has all different parts put together, then that is exactly what you have PARTS. I know there are some that just don’t see it this way but believe me it is true. I can say so because of my years as an antique dealer and now as a true ventriloquist figure collector. Try if you can to keep yours original but if not hey who cares about your heirs!! LOL
Dan
www.ventriloquistcentral.com
***************************************************
Dan Willinger is a ventriloquism enthusiast and ventriloquist figure collector. He has been collecting for over 25 years. He created the Ventriloquist Central Collection. It now has over 100 ventriloquist figures and over 50 of them are Frank Marshall figures. Because of his love for the art of ventriloquism, Mr. Willinger created the website Ventriloquist Central. For more information about the website, go to: http://www.ventriloquistcentral.com
Copyright 2010 by Dan Willinger
NOTE: You may use this blog article provided you run it with the bio box intact. Please email a copy of your publication with the blog article in it to: webmaster@ventriloquistcentral.com
