Orson Welles Personal Cigar Box, Sunglasses, and Various Personal Effects (ca. 1970s). ... (Total: 16 Items)

Description

Orson Welles Personal Cigar Box, Sunglasses, and Various Personal Effects (ca. 1970s). Vintage original group of (16) assorted items from Orson Welles' personal effects, including (1) Dunhill Seleccion Suprema cigar box, (1) pair of Nina Ricci sunglasses, (4) 4.25" x 3.5" personal color photographs, (1) Chrystar mini "spy" camera measuring 2.5" x 1.25" with yellow leather travel case and strap, (1) package of Panchromatic film containing 3-rolls, (5) Western Union telegrams, (1) 4.25" x 6" spiralbound memo pad, (1) typewritten note with Welles' personal annotations in pen, and (1) handwritten note by Welles to his assistant reading, "Terry: Please don't wake me - close the door! OW". These items were left in the possession of Terry Putz, who was Welles' assistant in the 1970s. Cigar box contains doodles and scribbled notes made by Welles. Telegrams are addressed to Ms. Putz on Welles' behalf, including two invitations from Barry Diller and Diane von Furstenberg for dinner at their residence. Ms. Putz's personal address book is preserved from her time working for Welles and contains contact information for an array of confidants including Peter Bogdanovich, Dick Cavett, and Marlene Dietrich. Items exhibit expected signs of use, wear, and age associated with personal items. Paper materials exhibit creases, bumped corners, toning, and edgewear. Sunglasses do not contain lenses and are in fragile condition. Cigar box with some external wear and staining and sign of previous repair to lid. Spy camera case exhibiting leather wear and camera not tested and should be considered archival. Accompanied by a 10" x 8" black-and-white photograph of Orson Welles from the set of On the Other Side of the Wind. Provenance: From the collection of Orson Welles' personal assistant in the mid-1970s, Terry Putz. Comes with a COA from Heritage Auctions.

More Information: Vintage original group of (16) assorted items from Orson Welles' personal effects, including (1) Dunhill Seleccion Suprema cigar box, (1) pair of Nina Ricci sunglasses, (4) 4.25" x 3.5" personal color photographs, (1) Chrystar mini "spy" camera measuring 2.5" x 1.25" with yellow leather travel case and strap, (1) package of Panchromatic film containing 3-rolls, (5) Western Union telegrams, (1) 4.25" x 6" spiralbound memo pad, (1) typewritten note with Welles' personal annotations in pen, and (1) handwritten note by Welles to his assistant reading, "Terry: Please don't wake me – close the door! OW". This treasure trove of personal effects offers a rare look into Welle's life at home. The cigar box is covered with doodles and scribbled notes written by Welles, and one can picture the great director sitting by the phone in a leather armchair, smoking a cigar taken from this very box and jotting reminders to himself such as "No clothes" and "Marry dentist" next to a drawing of a woman's face and other sporadic reminders. Likewise, the mini spy camera points to Welles' curiosity for the medium of film and photography as well as his notably impish personality. The handwritten note reveals a more serious side of the director, vis-à-vis his revision process: letters and correspondence were first dictated to and typewritten by an assistant, then edited in hand by the director in a scrutinizing method, before a final typewritten pass prior to postage. In this particular note, Welles expresses his gratitude at being asked to partake in a film "which is certain to be an important event", yet stops short of committing due to the inclusion
of a scene that would "call for me to be fairly considerably undressed". He goes on to elaborate his reluctant to do the role given his current weight and self-consciousness. The unsigned and unaddressed letter is distinctly in Welles' voice, hinting at his dual playful and serious sides. These items were left in the possession of Terry Putz, who was Welles' assistant in the 1970s. The telegrams included are addressed to Ms. Putz on Welles' behalf, including two invitations from Barry Diller and Diane von Furstenberg for dinner at their residence. Ms. Putz's personal address book from her time working for Welles contains additional wonderful details including contact information for an array of confidants including Peter Bogdanovich, Dick Cavett, and Marlene Dietrich. Items exhibit expected signs of use, wear, and age associated with personal items. Paper materials exhibit creases, bumped corners, toning, and edgewear. Sunglasses do not contain lenses. Cigar box with some external wear and staining and sign of previous repair to lid. Spy camera case exhibiting leather wear and camera not tested and should be considered archival. Provenance: From the collection of Welles' personal assistant, Terry Putz, gifted to her by the filmmaker in the mid-1970s. Comes with a COA from Heritage Auctions.


Heritage Auctions provides as much information as possible but strongly encourages in-person inspection. Condition statements are offered as general guidance only, not as complete representations of fact, and do not constitute a warranty or assumption of liability by Heritage. Some condition issues may not be noted but may be visible in the photos, which are considered part of the condition report. Lots estimated at $1,000 or less are not de-framed for inspection, and we may be unable to provide additional details for lots valued under $500. Heritage does not guarantee the condition of frames and is not liable for damage to frames, glass/acrylic coverings, original boxes, display accessories, or artwork that has shifted in the frame. All lots are sold "AS IS" under our Terms & Conditions of Auction.