The Frank Rider Collection - Spring Classic Part 1 - Day 2
Lot 1324b:
Description
This intriguing life-size sculptural bust serves as a fascinating relic, potentially linked to the 1952 biographical film Stars and Stripes Forever. In the movie, the character “Lily Becker”—portrayed by the luminous Hollywood starlet Debra Paget—is the romantic lead. While Paget was often cast as the “exotic” ingenue, her career frequently intersected with the “vamp” archetype of the era—a persona characterized by the sultry, captivating mystery that fascinated 1950s audiences. Unlike a standard retail mannequin, this bust features a distinct, lifelike quality, crafted from a durable molded wax-composition. It showcases hand-painted facial detailing with arched brows and a bold red lip, reflecting the classic Hollywood glamour aesthetic Paget embodied. The hollow interior reveals a reinforced structural shell, consistent with specialized studio or display props of the mid-century period. The base bears an impressed “110” and a handwritten “56” in marker, likely denoting internal inventory or production cataloging. The piece shows age-appropriate wear, including minor scuffs, light surface abrasions, and the expected settling of the dark, styled synthetic wig. H 15″, W 10″, D 8.5″. Please see photos for condition.
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