Edmund Gwenn "Kris Kringle" Best Supporting Actor Academy Award for Miracle on 34th Street (TCF, 1947). ...

Description

Edmund Gwenn "Kris Kringle" Best Supporting Actor Academy Award for Miracle on 34th Street (TCF, 1947). In the entertainment industry and the world over, the Oscar statuette is indisputably the most treasured and iconic symbol of the filmmaker's accomplishment and the public's romance with Hollywood glamour and movies. This vintage male Oscar statuette stands 13.25" tall with the cast metal, gold-plated figure measuring 3.5" wide by 10.25" tall. The beveled black base stands 3" high and 5" round at the bottom, tapered to 4.5" where the base attaches to the film reel that forms the integral foot of the metal statue.

While British actor Edmund Gwenn's career took him from the London and Broadway stage to the silver screen, where he was featured in nearly 100 films, including 4-for Alfred Hitchcock, he is best remembered for his performance in Miracle on 34th Street. Gwenn's beloved "Kris Kringle" in the multi-generational classic, made the actor synonymous with the Christmas season and the persona of everyone's favorite holiday figure, "Santa Claus." Co-star Maureen O'Hara commented, "...by the time we were halfway through the shoot, we all believed Edmund really was Santa Claus. I've never seen an actor more naturally suited for a role."

Sculptor George Stanley, who also fashioned the famous "Muse Fountain" at the Hollywood Bowl, sculpted Cedric Gibbons' original design in clay and Sachin Smith cast the statuette. Consisting of a pewter-like alloy called "Britannia metal," which is then plated in copper, nickel silver, and finally, 24-karat gold. The original Oscar mold was cast in 1928 at the C.W. Shumway & Sons Foundry in Batavia, Illinois. Since 1983, Oscars are fabricated each year in Chicago by Illinois manufacturer R.S. Owens & Company.

A curved 6" x 1" brass engraved plaque affixed to the front of the base reads, "Academy First Award To Edmund Gwenn in recognition of His Performance in Miracle on 34th Street" Retaining green felted bottom.

The statuette's finish exhibits minor rubbing, age, tarnish and minor loss of plating to some edges. The black base exhibits light wear with some chipping to tier edges. Light tarnish to engraved plaque. No felt on the bottom of the base. In vintage Very Good condition. An early example of this instantly recognizable and world-famous prize and one of extremely few Oscars ever made available to the public. 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.