"Speedy Alka Seltzer" Stop-Motion Puppet (ca. 1950s). ...

Description

"Speedy Alka Seltzer" Stop-Motion Puppet (ca. 1950s). Vintage original and rare stop-motion puppet for early iterations of Speedy, the Alka Seltzer mascot used in television commercials, constructed of a resin central form and oversized head with resin "pill" body and hat, body carved reading "ALKA SELTZER" with black "SPEEDY" transfer letters on the pill-hat and wire armature hands coated with latex rubber for movement, all expertly painted to resemble the smiling boy Speedy made famous for the catchy jingles "Relief is just a swallow away" and later, "Plop, plop, fizz, fizz, oh what relief it is!" Puppet measures 5" x 5" x 4" and is mounted to a black-painted wooden base measuring 2" tall. The original advertising campaign was conceived by creative director George Pal of the Wade Ad Agency, with Speedy voiced by Dick Beals. He appeared alongside Buster Keaton in several memorable commercial spots during the 1950s. Exhibits signs of age and wear, including desiccation to the foam rubber hands and chips to the paint, rust, scuffs, and soiling. One finger is partially separated but is still attached. An exceedingly rare early piece of advertising and stop-motion history. Comes with a COA from Heritage Auctions.

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