Mickey mantle holiday inn statue

[Lou Criscione]

Last year I purchased a statue (see pictures below) of Mickey Mantle that has a plaque from the Holiday Inn in Joplin Mo. on the base. I have been told by a few advanced Mantle collectors that there are only 2 others known to exist. The pose is almost the exact likeness of the logo that was used for the hotel.
My question is- was this a souvenir sold to the general public or was it used at the front desk or in one of the offices? Any help or information would be appreciated.

Thanks!
Lou

[perezfan]

Hi Lou…

First, allow me to say that piece is insanely cool.

Secondly, I don’t think there’s any way it was made available to guests via the gift shop, or any other way. We would see many more of them if that was the case. This kind of piece is right in my wheelhouse, and I have never seen another.

The pieces we know were made available to the public (pennants, ashtrays, postcards, etc.) turn up regularly. Your statue looks to be better than “souvenir quality” and I’m confident it was either made just for high-level employees, or as a special front desk decorative piece. We would see lots more of them otherwise.

Two questions…

1. What’s the size of the statue? (H x W x L)

2. Is this item relegated to your personal collection, or might it appear in a future ITPC Auction?

Either way, it’s a stunning depiction of The Mick, and a wonderful figural piece!

[khkco4bls]

Very crude looking piece. No. Close up photos would be great