Clark Gable's Gone With the Wind Costume Shirt and Vest.... (Total: 2 Items)

Description

Clark Gable's Gone With the Wind Costume Shirt and Vest. Known as "The King of Hollywood" during his 1930s heyday, Clark Gable's legacy as one of American cinema's all-time great leading men still stands, thanks to memorable performances in such classics as It Happened One Night, Mutiny On the Bounty, Run Silent Run Deep, and, of course, Gone With the Wind.

Gary Cooper was David O. Selznick's first choice to play Rhett Butler, but he turned it down, later saying: "Gone With the Wind is going to be the biggest flop in Hollywood history. I'm glad it'll be Clark Gable who's falling flat on his nose, not me." (He later added "I didn't see myself as quite that dashing, and later, when I saw Clark Gable play the role to perfection, I knew I was right.") It would be Gable's first Technicolor role, and it quickly become an iconic one. Gable said that whenever his star power would begin to fade, a well-timed re-release of Gone with the Wind would boost his popularity; indeed, he was a top leading actor for the rest of his life.

This ruffled dress shirt and black waistcoat were worn by Gable as Butler; the shirt has the initials "CG" sewn in near the label, with "20-108M-87" handwritten underneath in ink, and the vest has an Oviatt's label sewn into the lining with Gable's name, "4463", and the date February 28, 1939 typed onto it. The shirt is in Very Fine condition with mild wear and discoloration; the vest is Very Good with an appreciable amount of wear and fraying to the edges, and significant wear and tearing along the stitching of the right side. The items were previously sold by Christie's in 2002.

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.