It’s a yearly tradition, at least in my household, to take in the classic Rankin/Bass Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer special from 1964. Surprisingly, some of the old stop-motion puppet figures haven’t crumbled to dust yet! And you can buy them! If you’re Elon Musk, anyway.
Peter Lutrario, current owner of the puppets and self-proclaimed “1960s Hollywood memorabilia collector,” is selling Santa Claus and Rudolph on eBay for a mere $US10 ($13) million! The figures were indeed used on screen, and later restored in 2007.
These 2 Puppets are Certainly one of the Most Iconic and Famous Collectibles in the entire World, and are certainly the Most Famous Holiday and Christmas Props In the History of Television . We are dealing with something Magnificent and Iconic on a Level all its own. To many, they are Christmas . We all grew up with them, and they are Recognisable in an instant by every generation. Couple that with the fact that they are” ONE OF A KIND. These are the only surviving Props from the entire set.
Well. I’m convinced. How about you?
Screenshot: eBay
The set also comes with a stand and charger, because apparently Rudolph’s nose still lights up, too. You can “buy it now” for the aforementioned cool $US10 ($13) mil, or make an offer. Though Rankin/Bass expert Rick Goldschmidt told WPIX, “No one’s going to pay $US10 ($13) million. Not even a museum or the Smithsonian.” He added that he was disappointed to see them listed on eBay. He thinks they.. .belong in a museum.
Here’s an old video of Goldschmidt discussing the finding of the figures years ago.
I can’t afford anywhere near that price tag of course, but I wonder if Lutrario would accept a trade of two good-for-nothing cats who seem intent on ruining Christmas in my house. The listing is set to end at 11:59 pm on December 25.