SKY KING UNIQUE PROTOTYPE KALEIDOSCOPE RING DESIGNED BY ORIN ARMSTRONG.
Bidding has ended for this item.
Thank you for visiting our past auction results. If you have an identical (or similar) to this auction item, please call or contact us to discuss. We look forward to speaking with you.
Winning Bid:
$5,900.00
(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 prototype ring created c. 1950 and shown in Hake's Pop Culture guide as SKY-18 with value of $17,500.00. In our July 2011 auction we sold this very ring for $16,100. That winning bidder has now consigned the ring back to us. This ring was never produced but was created by Armstrong for the Robbins Co. to present to the executives of the radio show's sponsor Peter Pan peanut butter. The Mint luster brass base has perfectly formed adjustable bands. The base design is the same as the 1949 Sky King Electronic Television Picture Ring with an image of his horse "Yellow Fury" and airplane "Flying Arrow" but on this prototype those words have been intentionally removed and only traces of letters remain visible. The base joins to a black metal frame which holds a large diameter (15/16" by 2" long) heavy aluminum tube with slightly recessed center area and featuring a knurled pattern around the circumference at the eyepiece end, both intended to facilitate rotating the tube with one hand while the other holds the ring towards light to view the interior. The interior displays like a multi-surfaced angular geodesic dome and the interior trio of mirrors produces a kaleidoscopic effect. The ring contains a single die-cut portrait illustration of Sky King adapted from the plastic sheet used on the interior compartment of the 1949 Sky King Electronic Television Picture Ring. Because of the mirrors inside this ring, the one cut-out reflects and produces patterns of as few as three very complete Sky King facial images up to as many as 12 partial but symmetrical facial images. This incredible ring is not quite as long as the 1949 Sky King Tele-Blinker Ring, but it is more substantial and had it been produced would hold the size record for a vintage premium ring. The aluminum tube has about eight small areas (1/8" or so) without luster but 90% silver luster remains and the ring is otherwise NM overall, as created. Obviously, a unique opportunity to own the most important prototype ring known in the hobby.
Pictures (click images to zoom in)
Review your bid and press the Confirm Your Bid button below. Important: By confirming your bid, you are agreeing to purchase the item listed below if you are the winning bidder.
You haven't placed any bids.
