Atom Man vs. Superman "Kryptonite" Prop (Columbia, 1950)....

Description

Atom Man vs. Superman "Kryptonite" Prop (Columbia, 1950). This chunk of dark green slag glass was kept on display in a lighted glass box on Kirk Alyn's fireplace in his home near Houston, Texas. Kirk maintained that it was the actual prop used in an episode of the second Superman serial; while we cannot verify this, we'll give it the benefit of a doubt due to the provenance of being from Kirk's estate -- plus, it does look impressive when backlit! It measures approximately 4" x 3.5" x 2.5", in Excellent condition. From the Kirk Alyn Archives Collection.

Provenance:
Our consignor Clark Pickard's partner Ken Thompson had become friends with Kirk Alyn through Thompson's business. Thompson had been in the antique and collectibles business for several years and was visited by Kirk on occasion, in turn visiting Alyn in his home in The Woodlands, TX on numerous occasions, often assisting Alyn with various chores. Alyn had virtually all his numerous posters, pictures, awards, etc. on display in his home. The piece of "kryptonite" consigned to our Music & Entertainment Signature Auction in July, 2012 was on display in a lighted glass case on the fireplace mantel. Alyn seldom threw anything away that involved his career.
When Alyn passed away in 1999, his companion was the sole benefactor of the estate, and called Ken Thompson one day to help her pack all of Alyn's items to store them in boxes in the couple's garage. Subsequently she decided to move back to Los Angeles, offering Kirk Alyn's memorabilia to Thompson.
Ken Thompson passed away a little over a year ago of a heart attack, and now Clark Pickard owns the Kirk Alyn estate and has consigned many items from the estate to Heritage Auctions.

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