Celebrity Owned Gold Cufflinks Given by Bob Hope to “Butch” Stone

Description: Celebrity Owned Gold Cufflinks Given by Bob Hope to “Butch” Stone – Unique Offered for your consideration is an extremely rare pair of 14 karat gold cufflinks given by Bob Hope to Henry “Butch” Stone, a well-known musician with Les Brown and His Band of Renown. This gift was presented to Stone as a Christmas gift in 1972, as noted on the back of one of the pieces. Stone was a member of numerous USO Tours with Hope, serving in many different capacities. The cufflinks are oval in shape, with a caricature of Bob Hope on the right and a stylized view of Southeast Asia on the left (between these are lines of latitude and longitude. Hope’s visage features his famous smile, a somewhat pronounced nose, and small diamonds in each eye. The back of the links is hollow, with a gold band across each to receive the shaft. This shaft features what appears to be a futuristic “ES” (?) hallmark near the link, while each cross piece bears a “14 KT” stamp. The bands across the back of the links are each engraved, one reading “TO / BUTCH” and the other “XMAS 1972 / BOB HOPE”. The cufflinks are offered in their original box of presentation, with a facsimile of Bob Hope’s autograph and “14KT SOLID GOLD” printed in the lid. One of the cufflinks weighs approximately 10.87 grams, while the other weighs approximately 9.98 grams, for a total weight of approximately 20.85 grams. Both links measure approximately 28mm across by 18mm high. Research has failed to locate any cufflinks of this design, though at least one other Christmas presentation has been located (these were for a different year and individual). It is, however, well known that Mr. Hope would present special Christmas gifts to his personal friends and staff. A truly unique opportunity to own one of these special items, presented by this American icon to a well-known and important member of his entourage. If you are a fan of Bob Hope or Henry Stone, this is the piece for you. A once in a lifetime opportunity. Henry “Butch” Stone was born in New York City on April 10, 1913. He is noted as being a saxophonist and vocalist with Van Alexander’s orchestra from 1938 until 1940, though he also recorded with Duke Daly in the latter year. When Alexander broke up his band in 1940, he apparently made a deal with Larry Clinton to accept both of them as part of his orchestra. Stone was performing with the Larry Clinton Orchestra when he was “discovered” by Les Brown at the Loew’s State Theater in New York singing “My Feet’s Too Big”. When Clinton entered the USAAF in late 1941, Stone joined Les Brown and His Orchestra, remaining with them for many years (he attempted to form his own band, apparently in 1947, though he returned to Brown in early 1949 and stayed into the 1970’s). He appeared in three movies – Smart Politics (1948), Les Brown and His Band of Renown (1949), and Dance Demons (1957). It is interesting to note that he also receives a special introduction in The Nutty Professor (1963) with Jerry Lewis. He was the principal vocalist on many recordings, among them – “The Jumpin’ Jive” (Jim Jam Jump) and “Y’ Had It Coming to You” with Van Alexander, “Rockin’ Chair”, “That Solid Old Man”, and “Worried Mind” with Larry Clinton, and “A Good Man Is Hard to Find”, “Doctor, Lawyer, Indian Chief”, “Robin Hood”, “The Best Man”, and “Triskaidekaphobia”, all with Les Brown. He also recorded “Hey Sister Lucy (What Makes Your Lips So Juicy)” and “Oooh! Look-A-There, Ain’t She Pretty?” with his own orchestra. Les Brown and His Band of Renown performed with Bob Hope for over fifty years, including 18 USO tours. Henry Stone accompanied the band on many of those trips, serving as vocalist, assistant leader, music librarian, and road manager, as well as sometime, comedian. He was apparently loved by all who knew him, and he numbered among his friends the likes of Steve Allen, Dean Martin, Larry Gelbart, and even President Gerald Ford. Henry “Butch” Stone died peacefully on May 19, 2009 in Woodland Hills, California, with services held on May 26, 2009 at Mt. Sinai Memorial Park, also in Hollywood Hills. The presently offered cufflinks (and their original box) exhibit signs of moderate period use, though both are still in very good condition. Close examination reveals minor imperfections in the metal, quite possibly occurring at the time these were cast. A few abrasions can be seen atop the high points of the pieces, probably from minor contact when the cufflinks were worn. Toning is present across the surfaces all of the surfaces, fully expected given their age and the environment in which they were stored (remember that Mr. Stone passed away over 12 years ago). As noted, the original box also shows signs of wear, with numerous scuffs and scratches to the outer material. The inner lining of the lid exhibits signs of toning, as well as several small and one larger stain. This lining has begun to separate at the bottom, close to the opening mechanism. The cardboard base on which the links are presented is coated in the same material as the outside of the box, and sadly, exhibits the same faults as the outer material. The sides of the display piece have been slightly damaged by use, since the piece must be removed each time the cufflinks are worn. The holes through which the links are held have been expanded due to use. This has caused them to lose some durability, thereby allowing the links to rub and come together in the box. The box measures approximately 2⅞ inches square. A fantastic opportunity for the collector of entertainment memorabilia. FREE POSTAGE!A $5.00 charge will be added to any item picked up in person at our physical location. If you have any questions regarding this item, please ask before bidding. Buy or Bid with Confidence – American Coins & Collectibles President Richie Self has worked 6 years as a paper money grader/authenticator. He has contributed to numerous reference books within the industry, as well as being a co-author of “The Comprehensive Catalog and History of Confederate Bonds, 2nd Edition” with Douglas B. Ball, Ph.D., Henry F. Simmons, M.D., Ph.D. and James R. Desabaye. Mr. Self is a life member of the American Numismatic Association, the Society of Paper Money Collectors, as well as numerous regional numismatic associations. He is an authorized submitter to NGC, PCGS, and PMG, a diamond founding member of Coin Dealers Helping Coin Dealers and a supporter of the Industry Council for Tangible Assets. American Coins and Collectibles can be found at many of the state and local coin shows. American Coins and CollectiblesShreveport, LA

Price: 4199.99 USD

Location: Shreveport, Louisiana

End Time: 2023-11-26T23:41:50.000Z

Shipping Cost: 0 USD