"LITTLE EGYPT" C. 1897 MUTOSCOPE MOVIE PROMO FROM "ELECTRIC GARDEN" BUTTON POWER EXAMPLE.
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Winning Bid:
$298.54
(Includes 18% Buyer's Premium)
Bidding Ended:
Thursday, February 25, 2021 9:00:00 PM (20 Minute Clock Begins At Thursday, February 25, 2021 9:00:00 PM)
Item Description
This is the oldest and first button we know of related to movies. The original "Little Egypt" was a sensation on the midway at the World's Columbian Exposition, Chicago, 1893. Her success sparked many imitators and the form of dancing referred to as 'Hoochee-Coochee' (see next Chooceeta item), as at the time the term "belly dance" was not in use. This button features a young woman simply titled "Little Egypt." This button was likely produced to promote three short one-reel movies released in 1897 by American Mutoscope Co. featuring a dancer billed as "Little Egypt." The tie-in exists because of this button's back paper. Below in small text is the name of the maker Whitehead & Hoag but above in larger text is "Compliments Of Austin's Electric Garden, Syracuse, N.Y./C.H. Austin, Proprietor." While we haven't found any additional information on this Syracuse establishment, it sure sounds as it's a place that served as an early movie parlor. Three faint tiny gray dots near edge. Exc. One of two known and this is the button photographed for page 26 of Button Power by Hake/Carter. Comes with Hake's COA.
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