• I will be setting up at the Kane County Toy Show in St Charles IL (just west of Chicago) on April 23 & 24. If you plan to be in the area, please come visit. I'm bringing a number of bobbing head dolls- but if you plan on coming and want me to bring anything in particular, please contact me. Thanks! Lou.

DID YOU KNOW?

Before we get into this week's topic, I received some information that I thought you would enjoy. My good friend and fellow sports memorabilia enthusiast, Bill Kozlowski, was reading our Blog and remembered that he had once purchased an NFL catalog that proposed a series of Hall of Fame football busts. It was dated 1963 (the same era that the Baseball Hall of Fame busts were sold) and mentioned some of the proposed inductees. Can you imagine how awesome they would have been? Too bad it never went to production.

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RITGGERS STATUES

This week's topic revolves around the incredible works of L.L. Rittgers. L.L. Rittgers was an independent artist who issued comical sport and non-sport figurines from the late 30's into the 50's. The figures were chalk ware in composition and all were dated and signed.

The sports figurines are some of the most popular figural items in the hobby. There is a heavy dose of humor added to each sport. The first and most popular theme used by Rittgers is the baseball players arguing with a very indignant umpire. This theme was copied by other companies, but never quite matched the workmanship of the Rittgers.

His follow-up statue sets included Football, Boxing, Bowling, Basketball, Golf and Wrestling. The figurines are somewhat ogre-like in appearance, which helps lend to their hilarity. Equally collectible was his line of non-sport figurines that also are humorous in nature. Themes included a pickpocket set, a con man begging as a blind man and an army scene.

I'll mention one set that I have seen only one of and that many collectors do not realize exists. It's a football set reminiscent of the basketball theme, which has a headless player.

Because of the fragile composition, it is sometimes difficult to find these statues in nice condition. In mint condition, you can expect to pay a premium, but they are well worth the investment. They will make an interesting addition to any figural collection.

NEXT WEEK's TOPIC- 1955 DAIRY QUEEN STATUES