Hi,
Over the years i have collected a lot items to do with John Wayne,but i was wondering what is the most unusal item you have collected,for me i would have to say a bar of soap made in his image,never used it but it smells very nice lol.

yours robert(Dragonfly1966)

We have a framed picture of Wayne, in his standard western gear. But it is a little unusual in that its a studio shot, and not from any movie in particular. Its a black and white with the Duke holding a winchester across his arm. We also have the picture from Hondo..but everybody has that one.

GSP

I don't know if it is un-usual or odd but, I have a John Wayne bumper-sticker that was bought a looooong time ago and when he was still living. The bumbersticker now is abit crumpled with age but is still not bat to look at. On it is a yellow background and on the left side, is a large cowboy boot. The sticker in bold lettering says: GOD BLESS JOHN WAYNE.

I also used to have a Coke can that had some stuff about the Duke on it and some artwork portraying a scene from: She Wore A Yellow Ribbon. I gave this to Todd about a year or so ago. Other than that, all I currently have are a set of postage stamps--displayed on my wall above my TV set in my livingroom and one of those glass-domed John Wayne figurines. I think it is the one from Rio Bravo--not sure?

Hopefully in the near future, I will be able to add several items from the JW Birthplace store.

Also, it is not mine but, I saw another bumpersticker on a truck that said: Where are you John Wayne? America needs you! I never found out where to get that sticker--or i'd have bought a few.

I wouldn't call it particularly unusual but my most treasured Wayne memento is an autographed copy of the biography "Shooting Star". As everyone knows, he wasn't happy with Maurice Zolotow for writing it (why, I don't know, as I think it paints the Duke in a very positive light) because he inscribed it "Jim, This fellow made mighty insulting mistakes in this book and wrote without permission, but I guess it doesn't matter, nobody's perfect"
[Signed] John Wayne 1975

I have numerous other mementoes, such as portraits, books, dolls, plates, etc, but I like that autographed bio best.

Its not unusual but in 1983 I bought a marlin lever action rifle John Wayne commerative with the serial number 0000077. I also have an original 11x14 Stage coach photo of the duke.

I received a pocket knife for Christmas with Duke's pictures on it. The thing is really sharp, so I have to be careful opening and closing it!
Cheers - Jay:beer:

I don't collect memorabilia, so apart from Duke's work and books about him, I only have a photo from the set of the Quiet Man (souvenir from Cong), and a booklet of John Wayne paper dolls - a friend gave it as a joke. I appreciated the joke, but if somebody here has always wanted JW paper dolls, let me know

Hi

I have a signed John Wayne phototograph from Hondo. I know there are a lot about but It is written in ink by pen or biro and personalised. I am assured it is authentic and it cost me a lot of money. it was a retirement present from my wife.


Regards

Arthur

Hi all!
I do collect anything John Wayne I can get my hands on, no I am not a weirdo, he is just such a great inspiration to me!
I have to say there is two thing that I have that are different, 1 is the cement statue, and the 2nd is a poster of North to Alaska in Spanish. My most treasured piece, is an autographed picture I got when I wrote to him at the age of 15. I know there are a lot of those out there too, but it means a lot to me!
Stacy

I picked up so many items this weekend I filled the back of the pickup but one thing I consider unusual is something the wife wanted since she has a couple of these of different shapes... a cookie jar. His head comes off.

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/CJane_59/Duke/Winterset/th_Z712-0247.jpg (http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/CJane_59/Duke/Winterset/Z712-0247.jpg)

one thing I consider unusual is something the wife wanted since she has a couple of these of different shapes... a cookie jar.

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/CJane_59/Duke/Winterset/th_Z712-0247.jpg (http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/CJane_59/Duke/Winterset/Z712-0247.jpg)

Now that's something I'd definitely like to have. Were those made and marketed only locally in Winterset or do you know if they're sold nationally?

I have a coffee cup from the movie Rooster Cogburn, and the awesome picture by Graham Leggett (one of our resident artists) of the Magnificent Seven, which included several members of the message board along with Duke.

1921

1922
Chester :newyear:

I picked up so many items this weekend I filled the back of the pickup but one thing I consider unusual is something the wife wanted since she has a couple of these of different shapes... a cookie jar. His head comes off.

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/CJane_59/Duke/Winterset/th_Z712-0247.jpg (http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/CJane_59/Duke/Winterset/Z712-0247.jpg)

It's available on the Birthplace website for $65.00

http://www.johnwaynebirthplace.org/collect5.html#cookie_jar

It's available on the Birthplace website for $65.00

http://www.johnwaynebirthplace.org/collect5.html#cookie_jar

Thanks, I'll be ordering one.

and a booklet of John Wayne paper dolls - a friend gave it as a joke. I appreciated the joke, but if somebody here has always wanted JW paper dolls, let me know

Ah, ya beat me to it. I was gonna tell about my book of John Wayne paper dolls my ex-wife bought me. They are a hoot, but all of the figures of John Wayne in the book are thin. We all know he pudged out a little with age. :wink_smile: But I think I'll hold on to it.

I also have a program from the Oscars when Duke was nominated and won for his portrayal of Rooster Cogburn in True Grit. Not wierd or strange, but I don't see them out there much.

Mark

I just got one of those paper doll books on eBay for like $2.50, still waiting for it along with the last figurine I was able to find.

The most unusual John Wayne item I have is a sculpture of his head that measures 10 inches tall by 7 inches wide, and is made entirely of soap. Solid soap. It was a gift, and if I remember correctly, it took 14 bars of soap. My most cherished John Wayne item is a painting of me and John Wayne done by Graham Leggitt (who is, in my opinion, the best artist I have ever seen).
Colorado Bob

I vote for the soap head winning the prize! :teeth_smile:

So Jim did you actually get to meet the Duke when he signed your book? How did you get his signature?

Howdy Rowdys: I think if you are a John Wayne fan then you have to have other stuff than just his movies. I have 3 belt buckles,several coffee mugs,some lobby cards and posters[all origonals].I guess my unusual piece would be a poster of The Sands of Iwo Jima from Belgium...It is very colorful and the same as what was released in north america except for the caption.Instead of reading "The Sands of Iwo Jima" it just says"Iwo Jima". I would like to convince my wife like DakotaSurfers that we need a JW. cookie jar but I haven't been successful.I bid on a John Wayne cook book on e-bay but it went too high for my tastes.It apparently had recipes from his more popular movies??? I'm guessing "Brannigan's Beans" "Rio Lobo Lasanga" "McQ's Stew" etc.etc.If any one has this cookbook please let us know whats in it and if it is any good...SaddleTramp...

It's been a little over two years since this thread saw the light of day . . . so I thought I'd (bump) it to the top, so our newer members have a chance to read it and join in the discussion.

Chester :newyear:

I have a patch from the John Wayne Airport, you can stitch it onto a jacket. I also have a behind the scenes photo of John Wayne in Rio Lobo. The sound mixer on the movie gave me the picture. And I have a mexican officer's uniform from the movie THE ALAMO.
Take Care
Andy:teeth_smile:

Andy,
Here are a few things that I have that you might like to see ?
:teeth_smile:
Bill
:cowboy:

http://www.ranch26bar.com/DUKESHIRT.html

Bill-Those are excellent items that you have there, I remember the coat in the movie, it looks very warm. Did Duke use to collect the bolo ties? I know he use to collect the kachina dolls, part of his collection is in the Cowboy Hall Of Fame museum. I hope to get a bib shirt someday, it will go good with my JW scarf. Thank You for sharing.
Take Care
Andy:teeth_smile:

Andy,
Yes He liked Bolo Ties, and I have 4 of them !
And Duke had the Next to the largest Collection of Hopi Kachina Dolls out side of the Hopi's Themself, Sen. Barry Goldwater had The Largest ! You Can see some of them below !
I added some pictures of the One He Gave Me Below.
:wink_smile:
http://www.ranch26bar.com/DUKESHIRT.html

Bill
:cowboy:

I have a couple other unusual stuff, that I have not seen many of. The one picture is of the patch from the John Wayne Airport. The second picture is a bumber sticker that I have had for years. The last picture is a light switch cover. I do not know how unusual, but you do not see them very often.
Take Care
Andy:teeth_smile:

I picked a J Wayne wall clock awhile ago. His legs are the pendulum and it looks like he is walking...ST...

I just added a thermometer to the collection. It is 18" tall made of metal with a picture of the Duke, and it is made IN USA.
Andy:teeth_smile:

I picked a J Wayne wall clock awhile ago. His legs are the pendulum and it looks like he is walking...ST...
Any chance we could see a picture of it? It sounds really neat.

I just added a thermometer to the collection. It is 18" tall made of metal with a picture of the Duke, and it is made IN USA.
Andy:teeth_smile:
You gotta love that "Made in USA"!! Where did you get it?

2330

2331
Here are a couple pictures of my clock Chester7777. It is about 14 inches tall and 5 inches at it's widest point. The legs are a pendulum and make it look like the Duke is walking. It was a E-Bay purchase about a year ago. It says " Tai Tan" on the back and is the only markings on it. Keeps perfect time too...ST...

What a neat looking clock! Even though the lines are simple, it really looks like John Wayne!

Thanks for posting the pictures for all to see!

Now . . . where am I gonna find a clock like that??

Chester :newyear:

My parents got it for me in Texas, at a gift shop at one of the eating places they stopped at during their trip to Ohio. Jim you will get a kick out of this, they met up with Chilibill in Williams, AZ. and he gave them the tour of the museum. Chilibill and Buck put John Wayne's hat on my mom, she still talks about it.
Take Care
Andy:teeth_smile:

Well I am torn between 3 items in my collection so I will tell you about all 3

the first is a cigar band from germany with a pic of JW either from Conflict or Life of jimmy Dolan in the centre. I think Conflict.

the second is a book and autograph that came from the Winchester Firearms family in Salt lake City. the book was given to the hoy polloy who attended the premiere of True Grit as part of the golden Spike centennial celebrations. I wrote to the local papers and managed to get clippings showing JW was there and this premiere did indeed take place.

the third is THE VERY PROGRAMME GIVEN TO JW WHEN HE ATTENDED AND RECEIVED THE OSCAR for True Grit. Imagine that I have such a special thing nearly as good as having HIS oscar in my collection LOL

I have attached pics of all 3 so you can judge for yourselves.

Hello All While in Iowa for the Rio Bravo celebration I added the information from a man who lived for a while, in the house that Duke was said to have been born in. Chester 7777 enquired of a clerk in a museum in Winterset as to the possability there being mention of Mr Morrison, Duke's dad in perscription receipts from the day. the thought occurs to me that if a perscription receipt was ever isssued in Dukes name then a copy of that would be collectable to some. But back on topic or at least more so, my most unusual JW things are memories from people who knew him or even met him. Of these the ones I like in an added way are those recolections that I heard when talking with the person in the flesh. yall take care murray

the third is THE VERY PROGRAMME GIVEN TO JW WHEN HE ATTENDED AND RECEIVED THE OSCAR for True Grit. Imagine that I have such a special thing nearly as good as having HIS oscar in my collection LOL

I have attached pics of all 3 so you can judge for yourselves.
Elly, some really neat items. There's GOT to be a story about the program . . . did you buy it, or acquire it in some other way . . . ?

Mrs. C :angel1:

Hi Mrs C

Well I could spin you as yarn about being given it by the man himself but the plain truth is that I bought it several years ago along with about 35 production stills from a lady who's late father was a journalist and JW fan.

I have a letter from her and a bio about her Father who indeed was a journalist and freelanced for a few of the movie magazines.

She did not know exactly when or where her Dad aquired this item and I was quite lucky to get to know her as it was not an ebay purchase but she is a colleague of a friend of mine in Michigan.

Hey, that story is good enough for me! I'd rather hear the truth. It's kind of neat that she was more of a personal acquaintance than just an ebay sale.

Mrs. C :angel1:

That cigar band has got to be one of the most unique things I've ever seen connected with John Wayne, and the program has got to be a cherished one. Several years ago my grandmother bought me one of the clocks that Saddle Tramp has, and I think it has to be one of the strangest items in my collection next to the soap head that posted a couple of years ago. And its still sitting on a shelf next to my computer!

I enjoyed looking at all of your items. Hopefully someday I will acquire some Duke items. :shades_smile:

I enjoyed looking at all of your items. Hopefully someday I will acquire some Duke items. :shades_smile:
I think most of us have a mug or two of recent production or a poster or one or two of the Duke's books but the real challenge is to find something unique or unusual. Most of us started with his movies and branched out from there. There is a multitude of items on e-bay and other places so take your pick Oliver13. We are always interested in what people find, even if it isn't rare or one of a kind. It will surprise the heck out of you at how fast the stuff accumulates.

That cigar band has got to be one of the most unique things I've ever seen connected with John Wayne, and the program has got to be a cherished one. Several years ago my grandmother bought me one of the clocks that Saddle Tramp has, and I think it has to be one of the strangest items in my collection next to the soap head that posted a couple of years ago. And its still sitting on a shelf next to my computer!

Talking of soap and JW there is a "True Grit" soap shown as part of the merchandising in the True Grit pressbook.

Has anyone ever seen one for sale, know where I can get one maybe?

And why was soap included alongside the expected merchandise?

This may not be completely unusual but it is unique. I have a very large 3' x 2' picture from Paul Blaine Henri, it is titled THE DUKE and it is an artist certified edition 111/150 it is framed in barnwood and makes a great display.
Take Care
Andy:thumbs_up:

This is not particularly unusual but my favorite Duke memento is a personally-autographed copy of "Shooting Star".

I have numerous Wayne-themed items, none very rare or expensive but all dear to my heart, as they remind me of my all-time favorite movie star. Some are long out of circulation so there's a possibility they might be worth something to a fanatical collector. Examples are a bottle of bourbon I bought sometime back in the Seventies. The bottle is a bust of the Duke. Pretty good likeness too. Another is a doll of JW, about 15-18 inches tall, with him dressed in a cavalry uniform such as he wore in "The Horse Solder" and the Trilogy. I don't think they make those dolls any more. And of course, I've collected several plates from FM and Bradford Exchange over the years. Not to mention numerous pictures of him I have hanging on my walls. Also a wall clock with his likeness on it.

. . . a bottle of bourbon I bought sometime back in the Seventies. The bottle is a bust of the Duke. Pretty good likeness too.
Any possibility you could post a picture? I'd love to see it!

Mrs. C :angel1:

Any possibility you could post a picture? I'd love to see it!

Mrs. C :angel1:

Got company this weekend - I'll wait 'til Monday to dig out my camera.

Well, I decided to go ahead and take the pictures. Now if I can figure out a way to get 'em posted.

Here's one picture of the bottle, Sue.

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o157/sooner1938/JWBottle002.jpg

Here's a different perspective. As you can see, they captured him pretty well.

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o157/sooner1938/JWBottle004.jpg

Here's a picture of the label on the bottle. It says, among other things, "Mike Wayne Distilling Company". Wonder if he really owned a distillery?

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o157/sooner1938/JWBottle006.jpg

You're right, Jim, it is a VERY good likeness! Thanks for getting those up so quickly, considering you have company.

Hm-m-m . . . Mike Wayne Distilling Company? After doing a brief Google search, I would conclude that it may not exist any more, but did put out some unusual decanters (not all JW-related).

So how do you open the bottle? In one forum, I saw reference to the contents, which were quite appealing to the writer (more so than the decanter itself, it would seem, based on his question/comment).

I would say that your decanter definitely qualifies as most unusual!

Mrs. C :angel1:

I even still have the box the bottle of whiskey came in but it'll take me awhile to remember where I have it stashed (I haven't seen it for probably 12-15 years but I know it's around the house somewhere.)

As for opening the bottle, it has a stopper in the back. And for me, the contents were pretty appealing also. (Notice the past tense. :wink::biggrin:)

I even still have the box the bottle of whiskey came in but it'll take me awhile to remember where I have it stashed (I haven't seen it for probably 12-15 years but I know it's around the house somewhere.)

Well, good old wifey came through again. :teeth_smile:

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o157/sooner1938/JWBox001.jpg
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o157/sooner1938/JWBox003.jpg

Here are a couple of pictures of the uniformed doll I mentioned, Sue. The ruler beside the doll is 15 inches long so the doll is about 18 inches. I bought it in some high-dollar department store (may have been Dillards) about 25 years ago. The doll's face is not nearly as well-done as the decanter's face. I forget exactly who made these dolls but it was some supposedly exclusive doll-making company. (I think I may still have the tag showing who made the doll somewhere)

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o157/sooner1938/JWDoll001.jpg
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o157/sooner1938/JWDoll003.jpg

I forget exactly who made these dolls but it was some supposedly exclusive doll-making company.

Did a Google search and came up with this, (http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-1980s-Effanbee-John-Wayne-Doll-MIB-WOW_W0QQitemZ370152705663QQcmdZViewItem)which shows the doll was made by Effanbee.

This is the Duke memento I value most. I got the biggest kick out of the note he wrote, I suppose because by using my name, he made it seem personal. However, his reaction to the bio puzzled me because I thought it was highly complimentary.

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o157/sooner1938/JWBook001.jpg
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o157/sooner1938/JWBook004.jpg

This picture that I have of Duke is painted on leather and is a signed limited edition.

That's a great item, Stumpy. How did you go about getting that book signed? That would be the prize of anyone's collection.

Mark

How did you go about getting that book signed?

I mailed the book to Duke via the Batjac studio address and asked him to sign it, along with a check to more than cover the cost of mailing it back to me. However, the studio mailed the book and check back to me and requested some other method of payment. If I remember correctly, I then mailed the book back with cash enough to pay the cost of return mail. It's been so long I forget the exact details but I do remember they didn't want to cash the check, apparently because I had made it out to John Wayne.

Did a Google search and came up with this, (http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-1980s-Effanbee-John-Wayne-Doll-MIB-WOW_W0QQitemZ370152705663QQcmdZViewItem)which shows the doll was made by Effanbee.

This is one of two John Wayne figures made by Effanbee. They were part of the 'Legends' series. First came one of WC Fields, then one of Duke in cowboy outfit, then the one in cavalry outfit. They were made out of vinyl.

After that Franklin Mint started to make their own out of porcelain.

They all appear on eBay if you want to buy them, but their prices can vary greatly.

Bob

I mailed the book to Duke via the Batjac studio address and asked him to sign it, along with a check to more than cover the cost of mailing it back to me. However, the studio mailed the book and check back to me and requested some other method of payment. If I remember correctly, I then mailed the book back with cash enough to pay the cost of return mail. It's been so long I forget the exact details but I do remember they didn't want to cash the check, apparently because I had made it out to John Wayne.
GREAT story!! Thanks for sharing!

This is a Tapestry or wall covering from Turkey, turned up on eBay after the seller saw it on sale in Massachusetts. Glad he picked it up. It is cotton and the pictures are kind of flock finish, not really sure how it was made. It smelt strongly of smoke when I got it and felt sticky. I washed it carefully in the bath; the water turned black. It came out looking as new. It is 54" x 36" and the detail is stunning. Not sure what I am going to do with it yet.

http://www.johnwayneplates.info/graphics/wallcovering.jpg

Bob

That's a nice tapestry you have there. I bought something similar way back in the early 80's. It's been put away long ago, because it was tending to fade, but here is a picture of it hanging in my old basement years ago, along with a few other Duke stuff.

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn188/wazootie/Personal/Basement.jpg

Below Duke's Shotgun, soon to be at the Wild West Museum in Williams, Arizona !
:teeth_smile:
Chilibill
:cowboy:

http://www.ranch26bar.com/SHOTGUN.html

What year did Ward Bond Pass away????

Ward Bond was born April 19,1903 in Benkleman Nebraska and passed away in Dallas Texas, November 5, 1960.

I am not sure how true the information is on THIS (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130329696962&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT).

Bob

I'm not into memorabilia or such. I have a signed picture - but I really love my German double panel quad poster from 1961. Approx. 5-10 survived, so it is really scarce.
http://pic90.picturetrail.com/VOL2205/12662154/22526543/375016434.jpg

That is nice and glad to see you have it mounted well. It will help preserve it. Keep it out of direct or bright light, and heat.

Bob

I am taking a lobby poster of Sophia Loren threatening to depart her bodice ( LEGENDS OF THE LOST ) to a restaurant with a mixture of Decor. I will no longer own it but many will see it.

Murray, is the other 'decor' John Wayne related as well? I hope the patrons of that restaurant appreciate your generosity!

Chester :newyear:

One of the most unusual John Wayne items in my collection is the
"Branding Iron"
Once used at the 26 Bar Ranch now at the Museum in Williams, Arizona .
:wink_smile:
I also have a Copy of the Iron that we let people handle when they visit .
:teeth_smile:
Chilibill
:cowboy:

http://www.ranch26bar.com/BRANDING_IRON.html

My most recent unusual John Wayne item is a shingle from the original roof from the birthplace in Iowa.

My most recent unusual John Wayne item is a shingle from the original roof from the birthplace in Iowa.
Hey, Andy, I got one when I was in Winterset in May! I put it in the display case with our Franklin Mint figurines. I thought it was a neat momento.

Chester :newyear:

Chester-I agree with you, it is very nice and comes with a certificate of authenticity. It is most likely the least in-expensive item out there with a certificate that you know is real!!
Andy:teeth_smile:

Hello All Chester the poster is the only film industry item so far however I may change that. The business has dancing ( like Flamenco ) and live music. The food and beverages are moderatly priced and there is a West Coast feel to the place. The owner said he would be honored to give it a prominate but safe position. His father ( a partner ) and I talked about the war at length as he is a veteran. As soon as I mentioned my fathers units he was sharing memories as he had served in some of the same operations. It was not on display in my home and my logic ofton runs--I don't have to own something to appreciate it. Now I can go have a bite watch people taking pride in the dance and cuisine of their culture & glance up to see Duke paying close attention to Ms Loren, can you blame him?

It was not on display in my home and my logic often runs--I don't have to own something to appreciate it. Now I can go have a bite watch people taking pride in the dance and cuisine of their culture & glance up to see Duke paying close attention to Ms Loren, can you blame him?
AMEN to that! A great way to 'share' Duke with many!!

Thanks, Murray, for doing your part to keep John Wayne's memory alive!

Chester :newyear:

I own a lithograft of a oil painting of Duke at the helm of the Wild Goose.
It's number 624 of 1000
artist is Frank Tauriello
Dukes holding a cup of coffee the cup reads the War Wagon.
Ive never seen this item on EBAY.
I have been told I dupicated this post. Oh well I,am getting old.I repeat my self.
Did I mention Irepeat myself?

About a year ago the Cowboys at the 26 Bar Ranch were told by The Hopi Tribe Chairman after he had visited the Ranch to Clean out the Top part of the Very Large Horse Barn and get rid of all the Junk that he said was up there !
http://26bar.websitetoolbox.com/images/boards/smilies/frown.gif
I had already been up there and knew that some of Duke's things from the Old Days were still there.
http://26bar.websitetoolbox.com/images/boards/smilies/confused.gif
So when they brought in a Big Dump Truck in and parked it in front of the Big Door of at the end of The Barn and started putting things in the truck to be taken to The Dump I went over and started looking though the things in the Top Part of The Barn !
http://26bar.websitetoolbox.com/images/boards/smilies/rolleyes.gif
I started taking things before they could put them into The Big Dump Truck !!!
http://26bar.websitetoolbox.com/images/boards/smilies/eek.gif
Below will Show One Thing That I Saved From The City Dump, The Sign and
"Duke's Silk Shorts"
http://26bar.websitetoolbox.com/images/boards/smilies/biggrin.gif
Chilibill
http://ranch26bar.com/SILK_SHORTS.html (http://ranch26bar.com/SILK_SHORTS.html)

Bill, You might win this one as the must unusual John Wayne item from anyone. That is a hoot, Bill.

Cheers :cool: Hondo

My favorite item was (my ex-wife chucked it when she moved out) was some pieces of tile from Alamo Village. They were from the area between The church facade and where Travis' headquarters was. I was pretty bummed about losing them, but have since found out the tiles weren't from Duke's film, but were from Willie Nelson's Barbarosa film. Since they weren't from The Alamo, It doesn't bother me.